Driver Agent for Encouraging Safe Driving Behavior for the Elderly

Abstract

In recent years, the number of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers has increased in Japan. However, a car is an important mode of transportation for the elderly. Therefore, to ensure safe driving, a system that can assist elderly drivers is required. In this study, we propose a driver-agent system that provides support to elderly drivers during and after driving and encourages them to improve their driving. This paper describes the prototype system based on the analysis of the teaching records of a human instructor, and the subjective evaluation of driving support to elderly driver from three different agent forms, a voice, visual, and robot. The result revealed the robot form is more noticeable, familiar, and acceptable to the elderly than other forms.