IMPROVEMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTORIST WARNINGS AT RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS

Flashing red incandescent lamps have formed the primary motorist warning device at grade crossings for several decades, in spite of technical constraints that inherently limit the overall effectiveness possible. In this report an examination of appropriate literature and existing standards reveals preliminary requirements of function and desirable qualities for such motorist warnings. A consideration of relevant lighting technology shows that significant improvement is possible through the use of xenon flashlamps in standard crossing mountings. This study includes a discussion of optimal specifications, relevant technology, field tests, and related topics including system credibility and the use of highway traffic signals.

• Record URL:
  • https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/improvement-effectiveness-motorist-warnings-railroad-highway-grade-crossings
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hopkins, J B
  • White, E
• Publication Date: 1977-2

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 98 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Field tests; Flash lamps; Grade crossing protection systems; Highways; Intersections; Lamps; Navigation lights; Railroads; Safety; Specifications; Technology; Traffic safety; Visual perception; Warning systems; Xenon
• Old TRIS Terms: Grade crossing protection; Light signals
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00155407
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-FRA-76-25 Final Rpt., FRA/ORD-77/07
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 4 1981 12:00AM