Abstract:

In order to reduce traffic safety incidents, the mechanism by which negative emotions affect drivers' CL was investigated, and the influence of driving scenarios on emotional intensity and multi-channel CL levels was analyzed. A simulated driving experiment was designed, integrating emotion-inducing materials with a driving simulator, and young drivers were recruited to complete driving tasks. The interaction characteristics between negative emotions and CL were systematically examined through the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) scale, the VACP multidimensional assessment model, and retrospective interviews. The results indicate that negative emotions significantly increase CL. Specifically, anger and fear tend to trigger transient fluctuations in load, whereas anxiety is associated with the highest average load level. Furthermore, stressors embedded in driving scenarios induce negative emotions of varying intensities: aggressive cut-ins and sudden lane changes commonly elicited high levels of anger. Traffic accidents and pedestrians running red lights predominantly evoke intense fear, and unfamiliar routes primarily trigger heightened anxiety. Finally, emotional intensity is significantly positively correlated with CL level, highly arousing emotions lead to a substantial increase in the demand for visual, cognitive, and motor resources.

Key words: driving scenarios, negative emotions, young drivers, cognitive load(CL), visual-auditory-cognitive-physical (VACP)