Evaluation of enhancements to passive warning devices at railroad-highway grade crossings

The current passive signing system for railroad-highway grade crossings is used at both actively and passively controlled crossings. A sign system unique to passively controlled crossings which conveys to the driver his or her responsibility is needed. This research developed two experimental passive signing systems and tested driver comprehension, understanding, and reaction to them under both laboratory and field conditions. The experimental signs were installed at 90 crossings in three Texas counties, with eight crossings identified as test crossings. A before and after study was conducted at each of the eight test crossings. Quantitative measures of driver speeds on the approaches to these crossings, as well as qualitative measures of driver looking behaviour and driver responses to exit surveys, were analysed. The results of these analyses indicate that both sign systems performed well in the field. The results suggest a decrease in driver speed on the approach, an increase in driver looking behaviour, and a positive driver opinion of the sign system. Driver ability to recall signs seen on the approach to the crossing improved from 39 percent for the before condition to 78 percent for the after condition. The survey also indicated that drivers do not know the meaning of the advance warning sign and are unaware of the action required by the advance warning sign. The results of the study indicate promise of increased safety at passive railroad-highway grade crossings. It is recommended that these signs be installed at additional crossings and evaluated over longer periods of time to investigate possible novelty effects that may be occurring.

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