Thursday, Nov. 4: MIT/Ford Press Conference to unveil research results on driver stress and demonstration of new driving technologies

Please join us on Thursday, Nov. 4, at MIT for the unveiling of new research on reducing driver stress and a special demonstration of new driving technologies. Joe Coughlin, director of MIT New England University Transportation Center (NEUTC), will be joined by colleagues Bryan Reimer, associate director of research for NEUTC; Bruce Mehler, research scientist; and Dev Kochhar, technical expert at Ford Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company, to present exclusive results from an advanced research project focused on the reduction of driver stress. The nine-month study explored automotive technology solutions designed to reduce driver stress and improve overall driver safety and well-being.

Specific findings and topic areas that will be addressed at the media forum will include:

• The growth of situations and factors that contribute to stress, anxiety and frustration on the road;
• Development of objective methods for assessing workload and stress in the driving environment including physiological measures and eye movements;
• Biometric results as well as self-perception evaluations of the impact of new parking technologies on stress levels;
• A perspective on how technology is being developed to assess driver stress and adjust vehicle systems to assist drivers in maintaining optimal operational states and improve driver health and wellness.

When: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2 p.m.; lunch will be provided

Where: MIT Campus, Building 10, Room 105 (Bush Room), enter through 77 Massachusetts Ave.

Map: http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=10

More info & RSVP: Jessica Holmes, 617-253-2702, holmesj@mit.edu