Innovative Study Maps Grip Force as an Effective Stress Indicator for Safer Driving

12 June 2023

ARIEL, Israel — Researchers at Ariel University’s Department of Industrial Engineering & Management have made a breakthrough in stress measurement throughout driving duties. The workforce has launched a complete research detailing the usage of grip power on the steering wheel as a non-intrusive measure of driver stress, doubtlessly paving the way in which for enhanced highway security methods.

The research’s intention was to map the varied parameters affecting the connection between grip power and stress throughout driving duties. This progressive stress index, based on earlier findings from the identical workforce, requires a short while window of two to 5 seconds, making it an efficient and user-friendly methodology.

“Reducing drivers’ stress can doubtlessly enhance highway security. State-of-the-art physiological stress indices are intrusive and restricted by very long time lags. Our strategy of measuring grip power affords a clear answer to the person and operates inside a quick time window,” stated Prof. Shraga Shoval one of many authors of the research.

The analysis concerned two stressors: the driving mode and the space from the car to a crossing pedestrian. Thirty-nine individuals carried out driving duties throughout both distant driving or simulated driving, with a pedestrian dummy unexpectedly crossing the highway at two distances. The researchers then measured the grip power on the steering wheel and the pores and skin conductance response.

The findings from the research will assist in the event of automobile security methods that incorporate steady measurements of stress. They present a complete information for researchers and professionals to make use of grip power for the aim of measuring stress in a non-intrusive method and with comparatively brief latencies.

The research was funded by the Israeli Innovation Authority by way of the Andromeda consortium.

For additional info please contact Mark Lewis, International Public Relations – Ariel University – markl@ariel.ac.il or +972 54 339 4067