ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPTACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2 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. Thirty-one young subjects drove through two different virtual scenarios while data on their speed, lateral position and reaction in front of a sudden obstacle in the carriageway were collected. A statistically significant difference was revealed as a function of the type of lighting; simulated LED lights often induced a better driving behaviour under some aspects. The motorists were able to perceive in advance the critical situation and the consequent manoeuvres were carried out in a more effective way. Moreover, drivers kept better their lateral trajectory control in transition areas.
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