How periodic decorations in extra-long highway tunnels affect driving safety: A simulation study

Area of Science:

• Transportation Engineering
• Environmental Psychology
• Human Factors

Background:

• Extra-long tunnels present challenges like driver fatigue and reduced safety due to enclosed, monotonous environments.
• Tunnel landscape decoration zones are proposed interventions to mitigate these issues by enhancing alertness and driving continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of tunnel landscape decoration zones on driver behavior.
• To evaluate effects on vehicle operation, physiological responses, and visual behavior.
• To propose optimization strategies for tunnel design.

Main Methods:

• A case study of the Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Second Subsea Tunnel.
• Development of 12 simulated landscape schemes within a driving simulation environment (28 samples total).
• Collection and analysis of multidimensional driver data (vehicle operation, eye movement, heart rate).

Main Results:

• Patterned vaults and periodic sidewall designs significantly improve operational stability.
• Optimal pattern spacing balances visual stimulation and cognitive load.
• Sidewall-consistent vault patterns, periodic sidewall design, and 15m spacing yielded the best safety and comfort outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide a theoretical basis for designing tunnel environments.
• Offers practical guidance for the systematic design and evaluation of extra-long tunnels.
• Highlights the importance of specific visual elements and spacing for driver performance.