Recognizing and Releasing Drivers' Negative Emotions by Using Music

Abstract

Negative emotions influence driving safety and possibly lead to traffic accidents. However, how to perceive negative emotions timely, release drivers from negative emotions and mitigate their potential harm to the roadway performance of drivers has not been discussed well. Listening to music is an effective way to influence driver emotion. Therefore, taking anger as an example, this study aims to examine the effects of music tempo and personal familiarity on releasing drivers from negative emotions and mitigating their negative effects on driving performance. Thirty drivers participated in a simulated driving experiment, and their driving performance and driver heart rate data were acquired. Data analysis are still in progress. Expected results would be that music with specific tempo or familiarity will be significantly better in mitigating anger emotion and in improving driving performance. The leverage of expected findings will be helpful for the application design of emotion perception and context music adjustment to improve driving safety.