Driving in chaotic urban traffic can be as nearly as stressful as skydiving, new study finds
•Study uses a blend of real-time driver and environmental data, such as road conditions and heart rate, to quantify the factors that lead to driver stress
•Findings to inform how current and future technology from Audi can help ease driver frustration on the road
Driving in chaotic urban traffic can be as nearly as stressful as jumping out of an airplane, according to new findings from an Audi and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study. To better understand the impact road frustrations have on motorists today, Audi joined forces with the MIT SENSEable City Laboratory to explore a wide range of measurements aimed at quantifying driver stress on the road today. For Audi, the research helps validate how the latest driver assistance and connectivity technologies found in most Audi models can help ease the stress of daily driving.
The research initiative, Road Frustration Index (RFI), seeks to narrow in on the individual factors that lead to driver frustration, providing Audi with insight toward finding solutions that make driving safer and more enjoyable. This new methodology quantifies and contextualizes driver stress and frustration using skin conductance sensors, facial/body tracking, and environmental recordings. Findings were compared with a variety of other activities – such as taking a test or engaging in adventure sports – to make the overall methodology and results more relatable.
"In addition to daily driving conditions, we are measuring stress levels under a variety of daily activities: at home, in the office, while having breakfast or attending a lecture at MIT. We found that certain driving situations can be one of the most stressful activities in our lives," said Kael Greco, project leader, MIT SENSEable City Laboratory.
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