Authors:  Karl Knoblauch, Wayne Hucke, William Berg

Date of Publication:  August 1982

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Federal Highway Administration - Office of Research, Traffic Systems Division

Performing Organization:  IOCS, Inc.

Report No:  FHWA/RD-81/083

Abstract:

This study examines the contributing factors of rail highway grade crossing accidents at crossings with flashing light and crossbuck warning devices.  Included are a literature review, review of data sources, study plan, methodology for the accident analyses and the results of the in-depth accident investigation.

After a review of available data an accident sample was chosen for an in-depth investigation.  The detailed accident investigation involved accident reconstruction utilizing data from North Carolina and Wisconsin State accident reports, the Federal Railroad Administration Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Accident/Incident Report, The United States Department of Transportation - Association of American Railroads Crossing Inventory Information Report and accident site investigations.

The accident analysis methodology involved a two step approach.  For each accident the accident type was determined based on the event sequence which led to the accident.  Then an evaluation was made regarding those contributing factors which, based on the event sequence, were judged to have contributed to the accident.
 

No. of Pages:  145