Exploring the Effects of In-Car Lighting on Driver Comfort and Alertness During Night-Time Driving

Driving at night presents unique challenges, such as reduced visibility and increased
mental fatigue. This research investigates how interior car lighting can help drivers feel
more comfortable and stay alert. To achieve this, a mix of qualitative and quantitative
research methods was used, including data-driven analysis and psychological
experimental evaluations conducted through virtual reality (VR) driving scenarios. The
study began by examining 174 images of car interiors to identify key colour patterns
using K-means clustering, which informed subsequent experiments. In the VR
simulations, participants experienced night-time driving with various lighting setups
and shared their impressions of visual comfort and alertness levels. At the same time,
their brain activity was monitored to gather objective data. The results revealed that
blue lighting enhanced alertness during demanding tasks, but it lacked emotional
comfort. In contrast, pink and green lighting created a more relaxing atmosphere and
improved the aesthetic appeal of the car interior, although they were less effective at
maintaining focus. Brainwave data supported these observations, showing distinct
neural responses to different lighting colours. Interestingly, stable beta and delta
activity suggested that lighting alone might not fully address driver needs,
underscoring the importance of integrating additional design features. Overall, the
findings suggest that adaptive lighting systems could enhance safety and comfort
during night-time driving.