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An exploratory study of drivers' EEG response during emergent collision avoidance
Xiaomeng Li1, Liu Yang2, Xuedong Yan3
1MOT Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Big Data Application Technologies for Comprehensive Transport, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China; Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia.
This study reveals that electroencephalogram (EEG) activity increases during emergent collision avoidance. Female drivers showed higher mental arousal than males during these critical driving events.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to assess driver cognitive workload.
- Previous research focused on fatigue and distraction, not emergent safety-critical events.
- Understanding EEG in collision avoidance is crucial for driver safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate EEG patterns during emergent collision avoidance.
- Analyze EEG component changes across different collision avoidance stages.
- Identify neurophysiological responses in critical driving scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Driving simulator experiment with 38 participants.
- Collected EEG data during a pedestrian-collision avoidance scenario.
- Analyzed delta, theta, alpha, and beta EEG band power and ratios across four stages.
Main Results:
- EEG power significantly increased from normal driving to post-hazard stages.
- No significant EEG differences were found between successful and unsuccessful collision avoidance.
- Male drivers exhibited higher delta and lower alpha power ratios than females.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent enhanced EEG band activities occur in critical situations.
- Female drivers demonstrated greater mental arousal than males during collision avoidance.
- EEG patterns during collision avoidance offer insights into driver neurophysiology.
