Accident; analysis and prevention
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In this paper, the potential of using Augmented Reality (AR) technology to improve the safety of pedestrian crossings was tested, by means of virtual information provided to a driver approaching a zebra crossing area. To achieve this objective, a driving simulator study was carried out. The effectiveness of the system was tested, and the results of the developed simulation tests, with and without AR warning to inform the driver of a pedestrian crossing ahead, were compared. ⋯ Specifically, when the AR warnings were activated, drivers started to decelerate well before the pedestrian crossing, with a low deceleration rate and high TTC and TTZ. This study confirmed the great benefits that AR and connected vehicle technologies could bring to the overall safety conditions on the road network, especially under risky situations and difficult maneuvers. The driving simulator is certainly an effective solution for studying and evaluating such technologies, as well as studying their impact on driving performance.