Authors: Elmer J. Frey, Charles E. Theobald, Jr.

Date of Publication:  December 1980

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Rail Safety Research

Performing Organization:  HH Aerospace Design Co., Inc.

Report No:  FRA/ORD-80/87

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate potential concepts for reducing injuries to highway occupants and train occupants in rail-highway grade crossing collisions.  A review of railroad, highway vehicle, and aviation sources was made.  The identified concepts were principally those from railroad crashworthiness and collision attenuation studies, plus some collision attenuation concepts from highway safety work.  A list of concepts was developed and each approach evaluated for effectiveness according to a set of criteria based primarily on performance in normal operations and in accidents.  Several concepts were rejected on this basis.  Certain concepts were effective but applied to situations of very low statistical importance where preventative measures are more effective.  Some numerical simulation of accidents was done in the evaluation.  The more effective concepts consisted of a hard-faced deflector covering the locomotive coupler to remove the highway vehicle from the tracks, a soft crushable collision attenuator to reduce impact accelerations and forces, and increased use of rail brakes in passenger cars.  Estimates of fatality reduction from various measures and of costs are made.  It is concluded that testing of the more promising concepts is warranted.
 

No. of Pages:  195