Author: John E. Tidwell, Jr., Jack B. Humphreys

Date of Publication:  1999 (?)

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Transportation Research Board, Committee on Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

Abstract:

Investigations were conducted regarding driver knowledge of grade-crossing information, the relation of driver behavior to driver knowledge, and techniques for advisory speed signing. A driver behavior-oriented method for evaluating passive crossings was developed. It was found that most drivers believe that all crossings regularly used by trains have active protection. Driver performance at the sites observed was not related to driver knowledge of grade-crossing facts. It was noted that drivers who looked for trains did not look a proper distance from the crossing or at an appropriate speed to he considered safe. A procedure was developed to assign safe speeds and to locate signing on the approach to the passive grade crossing. Suggestions are made for areas of future investigation.
 

No. of Pages:  8