An investigation of driver behavior at highway-railroad grade crossings

Abstract

Highway-railroad grade crossings are classified as either "active" or "passive" depending on the ability of the warning system to indicate the presence of an approaching train. Active crossings are characterized by warning systems such as flashing light signals, automatic gates, and/or bells which are activated by the detection of an approaching train. Often, low traffic volumes and limited funding do not warrant the expenditure required for installation of an active warning system. A passive crossing results, in that the presence of a crossing (rather than the presence of a train) is indicated by the location of the crossbucks. The driver is ultimately responsible for achieving safe passage across a passive crossing because no warning devices alert the driver of approaching trains. This research involved an investigation of driver behavior at active and passive grade crossings. The researcher observed the behavior of thirty drivers while accompanying the participant in his or her vehicle, directing the driver along a test course which incorporated eleven actual crossing scenarios. Driver behavior at grade crossings is indicative of the perceived risk the driver acknowledges. Likewise, observed behavior illustrates the degree of looking behavior and deceleration maneuvers drivers are likely to exhibit when encountering active and passive grade crossing scenarios. Differences were observed in the looking behavior and deceleration maneuvers exhibited by the participants at active and passive crossings along the test course. Drivers initiated more looking behavior at the passive crossings with the exception of an industrial spur track crossing. The observation of different driving behavior at active and passive crossings leads the researcher to infer that drivers apparently detected differences, either subconsciously or unconsciously, in the degree of warning installed at the crossing. The participants were later told the difference between active and passive grade crossings. The subject was then asked to describe what he or she should or would do when approaching these grade crossing scenarios. Although most responses reflected a general understanding of safe driving behavior at grade crossings, most subjects did not actually perform as they said they would when approaching the grade crossings along the test course.