Immersive technology for road safety: a systematic review of empirical studies

Abstract

Traffic accidents, claiming approximately 1.2 million lives and over 50 million injuries annually worldwide, are largely due to driver error, necessitating innovative driving safety solutions. This systematic review assesses the role of immersive technologies, specifically Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, in enhancing road safety through improved driver training and assistance. Analyzing 74 empirical studies from 2015 to 2024 sourced from Scopus and IEEE Xplore, the review highlights how these technologies boost situational awareness, reduce cognitive workload, and enhance driver performance. For example, Augmented Reality head-up displays can cut reaction times by up to 20%, while Virtual Reality training lowers risky behaviours in young drivers by 15%. Despite these benefits, gaps remain: limited evidence on design requirements and user preferences, inadequate focus on overseas drivers adapting to unfamiliar systems, challenges in translating theory to practice, and under-representation of diverse demographics amid growing global mobility. The review offers practical design insights, such as an optimal transparency threshold of 0.75 for Augmented Reality heads-up displays, guiding researchers and designers toward safer, inclusive solutions. Future research must address these gaps to ensure immersive technologies effectively support diverse drivers in complex traffic settings.