EVALUATION OF CONSTANT WARNING TIMES USING TRAIN PREDICTORS AT A GRADE CROSSING WITH FLASHING LIGHT SIGNALS

This paper documents the results of field studies conducted to evaluate the effects of train predictors and constant warning time (CWT) on crossing safety and driver response measures. The studies were conducted at a single-track urban crossing controlled by flashing light signals. The test crossing is frequented by variable-speed trains. Before train predictors were installed, highly variable and long warning times were observed. The studies involved comparing data gathered before and after installation of train predictors at the test crossing. The data included warning times vehicle clearance times (relative to a train's arrival), vehicles crossing, and vehicle speed and deceleration profiles. These data were collected using video camera-recorder systems that were activated automatically whenever a train approached the test crossing. Data were collected for a 2-month period before the train predictors were installed, and for a 2-month period after installation. A total of 139 train movements were observed--89 train movements during the before study and 50 movements during the after study. On the basis of the results of the field studies, the predictor hardware proved to be operationally reliable. Installation of the predictors resulted in more CWTs, a lower mean warning time, and fewer excessively long warning times at the study crossing. Installation of predictors (and the CWT they provide) also improved the overall safety of the study crossing and enhanced driver respect for the flashing light signals. Vehicle clearance times were significantly increased, and risky driver behavior was reduced. Speeds, driver reaction times, and deceleration levels were not influenced adversely.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1990/1254/1254-008.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=EVALUATION+OF+CONSTANT+WARNING+TIMES+USING+TRAIN+PREDICTORS+AT+A+GRADE+CROSSING+WITH+FLASHING+LIGHT+SIGNALS&author=S.+Richards&author=K.+Heathington&author=D.+Fambro&publication_year=1990
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1254, Traffic Control Devices for Highways, Work Zones, and Railroad Grade Crossings 1990. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Richards, Stephen H
  • Heathington, K W
  • Fambro, Daniel B
• Publication Date: 1990

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 60-71
• Monograph Title: Traffic control devices for highways, work zones, and railroad grade crossings 1990
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1254
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Behavior; Drivers; Field studies; Flashing traffic signals; Railroad grade crossings; Reaction time; Reliability; Safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Constant warning time; Train predictors
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00497396
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309050065
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM