Abstract
We analyzed the effect of supplying scents to drivers with low arousal on their ability to avoid collisions and the changes in their biological signals. In this study, we conducted driving simulator experiments on ten male drivers per each condition and set three scent conditions: Alpha-Pinene supply, Limonene supply, and scent-free. In the experiments, we investigated driver behavior such as inter-vehicle distance, and physiological indicators such as EEG and PERCLOS. From the result of driving simulator experiments, we found that the fluctuation of inter-vehicle distance significantly reduced, and arousal level significantly improved by supplying Limonene that participants prefer. From the result of EEG, we clarified that the power spectrum in the HighBeta band significantly reduced by the supply of Limonene with high palatability than supplying Alpha-Pinene with low palatability. The study revealed that the supply of scents, especially high palatable scent, is effective in improving arousal level of driver and driving behavior and reducing stress.
