Abstract: In order to study the psychological characteristics of drivers under stress conditions, the electrocardiogram (ECG) data of drivers under different stress scenarios were analyzed. Using the Ergo LAB human environment synchronization platform, the driver’s heart rate variability (HRV) time domain data and frequency domain data were extracted, and the appropriate ECG characteristics were selected as indicators of analysis. By the statistical analysis method, the ECG data of the subjects were studied, and the psychological characteristics of the drivers under stress scenarios were obtained. It shows that in terms of the rate of increase in heart rate, different stress scenarios will have a significant impact on the driver’s heart rate growth. Drivers are sensitive to the target of pedestrians, bicycles, and less sensitive to other objects like the weather and motor vehicles. In terms of HRV time domain characteristics, the driver has a longer degree of tension about pedestrians and bicycles, and has intermittent tension about the weather or the vehicle. In terms of HRV frequency domain characteristics, the driver’s mental workload increases when he encounters pedestrians and bicycles, and reduces when he encounters motor vehicles and external weather conditions.

Key words: stress scene, driver, heart rate variability (HRV), psychological characteristics