Visual Factors in Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents

Drivers approaching railroad crossings make the final decision to cross based upon visual information, although auditory information may also be used beforehand. The major sources of information that affect the decision-process are considered, such as the types of warning devices at the crossings and on trains, road geometry, pavement characteristics, obstructions to visibility, traffic density, natural and artificial lighting, vehicle design factors and driver variables, including expectation, attention and search behavior.