Human Factors Countermeasures to Improve Highway-Railway Intersection Safety

Abstract

A field demonstration study in support of the evaluation of alternative railway-highway grade crossing accident countermeasures was conducted. Guidelines were provided for the development of countermeasure concepts. Investigations of the causative factors of accidents showed that maintenance of protective warning devices, driver attention and driver expectancy were precipitating and predisposing factors in accidents. An appraisal of inherent driver safety potential was made which included driver education and licensing, safety programs and law enforcement, attitude and habit components of railway-highway safety and psychophysiological capabilities and limitations. A broad base of data was obtained in a demonstration field study conducted in five states. (Modified author abstract)