Highway-railway grade crossing safety : driver perception of hazard and risk

Field studies were then conducted to relate safe driving behavior on approaches to grade crossings to the knowledge level of the drivers approaching the crossing. A criteria for classifying a driver as performing safely was developed. Various indices of driver behavior were related to the knowledge groups. No relationship was found between good knowledge and good driving performance. Driver behavior at the crossings indicated that many drivers manifested a desire to perform safely, by making head movement, at restricted sight distance crossings. However, the drivers were making head movement at inappropriate locations. Thus, they could not be classified as safe performers.

The findings from the field observations led to the development of a procedure for establishing advisory speeds for passive grade crossings. These would ensure an accident free crossing for motorists desiring to perform safely.

A new priority procedure was also developed for upgrading passive crossings. This procedure uses the concept of safe-unsafe performing drivers at the crossings under consideration. The procedure gives a direct evaluation of the drivers perception of the geometrics and sight distance at the crossing.