Influence of the lighting system on the driver’s behavior in road tunnels. A driving simulator study

Tunnel lighting system is an important factor affecting driving safety, but it also represents the most expensive operative cost of a tunnel. Conventional tunnel lighting systems have been progressively replaced by LED lighting systems. This technology is spreading fast because of its low energy consumption and the high durability combined with low maintenance requirement. Aim of this research was to assess, by means of a driving simulator experimentation, the impact of the LED lighting system on traffic safety. The driver performance approaching, inside and exiting LED lighted tunnels was analysed and compared to the behaviour maintained in tunnels illuminated with a traditional system, in normal and in critical conditions.