Simulation-based assessment of driving confidence in hazardous situations under different warning levels

Although warning systems in connected environments have become increasingly common, their psychological impact on driving confidence remains underexplored. This study aims to analyze driving confidence under hazardous road events—such as emergency braking of front vehicles (EB-FV), work zones (WZ), and tunnels (Tun)—in response to warning systems, using a connected simulation platform. By integrating traffic psychology using hazardous event warnings with connected-vehicle technology, a unique perspective that has not been covered in previous studies is provided. Driving confidence was quantified using driving simulation technology in two dimensions: speed performance and driving operations. The results show that predictive warning systems significantly improve driver confidence and control. Specifically, in the Tun, compared to the no-warning condition, the average driving speed decreased by 16.38%, and speed variability StdV decreased by 27.75%. Additionally, steering control was more stable, with a 18.40% decrease in steering wheel angle variability (SDSA) in the EB-FV scenario, and 7.31% in the WZ scenario. Additionally, the study highlights a significant improvement in driver confidence when warning information is provided. The conclusions are particularly applicable to structured road environments with reliable V2X communication and assume that drivers have some degree of familiarity with connected systems. This study provides theoretical and practical insights into the design of adaptive warning strategies for future intelligent transportation systems.