Basic Structure of Conversation for Keeping Drivers Awake

Abstract

This paper presents the fundamental study of the method for keeping drivers awake at the wheel through conversation. We focused on the structure of a conversation and applied Verbal Response Modes (VRM) for analyzing the conversations, which were made between awake and/or drowsy drivers and an operator. The results suggested that the number of drivers’ disclosure and the number of operator’s reflection during a block of conversation are the features of the VRM balance, which is factored into an effective conversation for awakening drivers.