Authors:  Neil Lerner, Donna Ratte, Jonathan Walker

Date of Publication:  June 1990

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Federal Highway Administration - Office of Highway Safety, Program Development Division

Performing Organization:  Comsis Corp.

Report No:  FHWA-SA-90-008

Abstract:

In section 159 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, Congress required the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of national highway-railroad improvement and maintenance needs.  Nine specific issues were to be addressed.  One of these (#4) was:  "An examination of driver behavior at such crossings and what technologies are most effective in changing behavior and preventing accidents."  This report reviews the literature on driver behavior at rail-highway crossings in support of FHWA (DOT)'s efforts in addressing this issue.  It discusses the contributing factors and driver characteristics related to behavior at these crossings and considers countermeasures which have been developed in efforts to improve driver behavior.
 

No. of Pages:  186