Evaluation of Safety at Railroad Highway Grade Crossing

A recent report by the Interstate Commerce Commission concluded that the major cause of rail-highway grade crossing accidents is the failure of motor vehicle drivers to yield to trains. The purpose of this research study was to investigate existing conditions which might have encouraged drivers not to take reasonable precautions. This study constitutes an analysis of highway-rail grade crossing accidents with respect to the affects of environment, crossing geometry, highway and rail traffic patterns, existing protective devices, and other relevant elements and their relative importance as a basis for determining a more effective and economic means of establishing the necessary railroad crossing protection.