Could music reduce driver fatigue? An investigation on music effects in various weather conditions

Fatigue impairs drivers' performance and increases the occurrence likelihood of traffic incidents. This study aims to explore the capability of music as an intervention to reduce driver fatigue under different weather conditions by conducting a driving simulation experiment. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Neuroticism (EPQ-N) scale is used to assess drivers' personalities. A mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to analyze the influence of music on the driving behavior of different drivers under various weather conditions, including sunny, rainy, and foggy scenarios. Results indicated that drivers' fatigue levels are reduced by the music under less complicated weather conditions, such as sunny and foggy conditions. The results also revealed that drivers with low EPQ-N scores could demonstrate better physical reactions and driving performance in sunny and rainy conditions, whereas those with high EPQ-N scores perform better in foggy conditions. These findings could help prevent traffic accidents caused by driving fatigue in sunny and foggy conditions through the strategic use of music.