A comparison of driver behavior at railroad grade crossings with two different protection systems

Where do novice and experienced drivers direct their attention on approach to urban rail level crossings?

“…The modest number of studies that have examined driver behaviour in this context has been largely observational, employing on-site observers or analysing videos recorded at the roadside (e.g. Meeker et al, 1997;Tenkink and Van der Horst, 1990;Tey et al, 2011). The primary measure derived from such observational studies is driver non-compliance with the RLX signals, estimated to be between 14 and 38 percent for active RLXs with flashing lights and boom barriers (Meeker et al, 1997;Witte and Donohue, 2000).…”

“…Meeker et al, 1997;Tenkink and Van der Horst, 1990;Tey et al, 2011). The primary measure derived from such observational studies is driver non-compliance with the RLX signals, estimated to be between 14 and 38 percent for active RLXs with flashing lights and boom barriers (Meeker et al, 1997;Witte and Donohue, 2000). Although an important component of research in this area, observational studies do not support in-depth examination of driver behaviour and cannot reveal the factors underpinning compliance and noncompliance; in particular, drivers' situation awareness, workload and the focus of their attention, as well as the system-wide factors that shape each of these.…”

Transmission Range Evaluations for Connected Vehicles at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

“…However, safety devices at active HRGCs have a higher incident prevention rate than stop or yield signs at passive HRGCs, when traffic volumes and number of trains are taken into account [4]. The major cause of incidents at active HRGCs is drivers' violation of control devices [5]. Impatient drivers rush the gates as they think no train will arrive soon based on their experiences [6].…”

Survey-based Impact of Influencing Parameters on Level Crossings Safety

“…Another study in Australia among 636 pedestrians found that 24.52% of them deliberately violated the rules at level crossings (the main reason was "being in a rush"), while 18% were either unsure or did not when it was legal to cross at a level crossing [19]. Some authors [20] compared driver behaviour at LCs with two different active protection systems by secretly used video cameras to observe driver behaviour. They concluded that the drivers are more reluctant to engage in risky behaviour when they have a physical barrier in front of them instead of just flashing lights.…”