Olfactory Stimulation Impact on Driver Behavior: Driving Simulator Approach

Abstract

Results from earlier studies indicated that using fragrance in the car is effective in keeping driver alertness especially on drowsy driver. This study was conducted to determine the effect of lemongrass and pandan as in-vehicle fragrance on driving behavior. Twenty (20) test subjects comprised of 10 men and 10 women were tested by using driving simulator. A set of questionnaire was distributed to the test subjects to assess driver emotions after completing the driving task. Our results indicated that fragrance did not affect the average speed of drivers. The results also showed that gender had no significant effect on the driver’s average speed behavior across the fragrance conditions. However, the emotions of the drivers were positive due to the presence of these fragrances.