Detecting driver stress and hazard anticipation using real‐time cardiac measurement: A simulator study

OBJECTIVES: In the context of growing interest in real‐time driver stress detection systems, we question the value of using heart rate change over short time periods to detect driver stress and hazard anticipation. METHODS: To this end, we explored changes in heart rate and speed as well as perceived stress in 27 drivers in a driving simulator. Driver stress was triggered by using hazardous road events, while hazard anticipation was manipulated using three levels of hazard predictability: unpredictable (U), predictable (P), and predictable and familiar (PF). RESULTS: The main results indicate that using heart rate change (1) is a good indicator for detecting driver stress in real time, (2) provides a cardiac signature of hazard anticipation, and (3) was affected by perceived stress groups. Further investigation is needed to validate the lack of relationship between increased anticipation/predictability and strengthened cardiac signature. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of heart rate change as an indicator of real‐time driver stress and hazard anticipation.