Mapping Grip Force Characteristics in the Measurement of Stress in Driving

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Safety Engineering
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Reducing driver stress is crucial for improving road safety.
• Current physiological stress measures are often intrusive and have significant time lags.
• Grip force presents a promising, non-intrusive stress index with a short time window.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and map parameters influencing the relationship between grip force and driver stress.
• To optimize grip force measurement for real-time stress detection during driving tasks.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-nine participants engaged in remote and simulated driving tasks.
• Stressors included driving mode and proximity of a pedestrian dummy.
• Grip force and skin conductance were measured, analyzing various model parameters like time windows and surface types.

Main Results:

• Significant and powerful models for grip force-based stress detection were identified.
• The study explored parameters such as time windows, calculation methods, and steering wheel surfaces.
• Grip force was validated as a viable, continuous stress indicator.

Conclusions:

• Grip force measurement is a feasible and effective method for continuous driver stress monitoring.
• Optimized grip force analysis can contribute to the development of advanced driver assistance and safety systems.
• This research paves the way for non-intrusive, real-time stress assessment in vehicles to enhance road safety.