Measuring Drivers' Frustration in a Driving Simulator

The objective of the current study was to measure the effect of frustration on drivers' performance and scanning efficiency in a driving simulator. We hypothesized that unsafe driving would be elicited by a combination of manipulating frustrating events in the external driving environment while inducing a sense of time pressure within the driver. Two age groups of drivers drove through several frustrating situations on the road while trying to reach a destination within a limited time. The induced frustration decreased drivers' awareness of potential distractions, mental state, and potential danger in driving environment. When compared to younger drivers, older drivers had a more efficient scanning routine and safer vehicle control. This study speaks to the need for emotionally engaging simulated driving scenarios to produce more realistic driver performance.