Authors: William D. Berg, PE

Date of Publication:  April 1979

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration

Performing Organization:  William D. Berg, PE - Consultant

Report No:  FHWA-RD-79-78

Abstract:

This report presents the findings and conclusions of a study to develop an experimental design and analysis plan for field testing and evaluation of the accident reduction potential of a proposed new railroad grade crossing advance warning sign.  Several alternative sampling frameworks were initially developed to determine which might offer the most efficient design in terms of required sample size.  Because of the very large sample sizes associated with the alternative sampling frameworks, an analysis was undertaken to determine the minimum relative reduction in accident rate which would economically justify deployment of the new advance warning sign.  The cost of undertaking the field studies and analyses was then evaluated so that it could be compared to the expected value or utility of the information to be derived from the study.  The results indicated that the proposed accident study would be both experimentally and economically impractical.  It was therefore recommended that an accident study not be undertaken.  Several policy options were then examined.
 

No. of Pages:  65