Enhancing Road Safety in Long Tunnels through Virtual Reality-Based Visual Measures

Monotony in long tunnels is a significant safety concern, as it reduces driver attention and increases accident risks. This study presents a virtual reality (VR) experiment to evaluate art-based visual measures that mitigate monotony in tunnel driving. Using a VR driving simulator modelled after the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel, E39 Boknafjord tunnel in Norway, eight distinct visual designs were tested, focusing on colour, lighting, and shape variations. The impact on driving behaviour was analysed through driving speed, steering deviation, and participant feedback on safety, visibility, and overall experience. Results revealed that measures like Split Caverns were more favourable than Mirage Halls, with blue hues preferred over red. These findings suggest VR can be instrumental in designing effective visual safety measures for tunnel environments.