Problems of Studies on Emotions in Road Traffic

The article addresses the overall body of problems associated with studying selected emotions that emerge in road traffic. Among the emotions observed in road traffic participants, the following are central for this elaboration: anxiety, fear, and restlessness. Once experienced, these emotions condition specific interpretation of a road traffic scene. Fear as well as anxiety in particular, can be recognised using technologically advanced instruments. Eye tracking was chosen by the author to serve as an example of the said measurement techniques. The relevant studies were conducted on a sample of vehicle drivers in individual and collective transport. The article provide critical remarks that identification of emotions must be supported each time by the identification of stimulants and correlated with the results of other measurement techniques. The author believes that emotional states can be studied in road and rail traffic, and may offer some utility value.