A study on the stress and driving behavior of drivers forced to travel at low speeds

Abstract

When we measure travel speeds of road sections, wider range of travel speed would be obtained. Driving in slow-speed sometime increases the stress of other drivers who intend to travel in higher speed. This might lead to hazardous behavior on the part of impatient drivers, such as reckless passing. This study aims to clarify in what situation drivers develop stress and what psychological and behavioral characteristics are manifested under these conditions. A basic survey was conducted to gain an understanding of the driving behavior of drivers under stress and their focus of attention as well as changes in their stressed condition. A full-scale survey was then made to gain insight into the extent of effect the provision of information has on driver stress. From the result of these surveys, it is found that the reduction in the stress differs according to the kind of information supplied from slow-moving vehicles ahead.