Which type of emotion is known to impact driving performance?

Negative emotions have a significant impact on driving performance because they can affect a driver’s concentration, reaction time, and overall decision-making abilities. When a person experiences emotions such as anger, frustration, or sadness, their ability to focus on the road and respond appropriately to changing conditions can be compromised. For instance, someone who is angry may be more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors or take risks that they otherwise would avoid in a calm state.

While positive emotions can sometimes enhance performance by making a driver more alert and engaged, negative emotions tend to have the more detrimental effect, leading to impaired judgment and increased likelihood of accidents. Neutral emotions generally do not lead to significant changes in behavior or decision-making related to driving, making them less impactful in this context. Thus, understanding the effects of negative emotions is crucial for promoting safe driving practices.