ENHANCEMENT OF TRAIN VISIBILITY
The report describes a study of the most effective and practical means of enhancing the conspicuity of the trailing end of trains, in order to reduce the possibility of train--train collisions. There are five elements: (a) Definition of a usable number of categories of target, background, and ambient conditions which include the great majority of situations actually encountered; (b) estimation of the stimuli required for each category to increase significantly the detection probability for typical observers; (c) examination of all potentially feasible visibility aids in terms of these criteria; (d) determination of estimated costs, lifetime, and power consumption of techniques which appear promising in terms of effectiveness, and (e) delineation of alternative systems, consistent with one another, comprising a hierarchy of effectiveness and cost. Special deficiencies, advantages, and implications for policy which may be associated with particular realizations are indicated. The devices suggested as optimal include large areas of fluorescent material arranged in a distinctive pattern, retro-reflectors at each corner, and flash lamps of moderate intensity. Detailed specifications are given for such aids.
-
- Record URL:
-
Corporate Authors:
Transportation Systems Center
55 Broadway, Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA United States 02142 -
Authors:
- Hopkins, J B
- Publication Date: 1973-9
Media Info
- Pagination: 84 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Cost estimating; Crash injury research; Crashes; Detection and identification; Detectors; Electrical properties; Estimates; Flash lamps; Fluorescent lamps; Incandescent lamps; Measures of effectiveness; Motion; Prevention; Railroad grade crossings; Railroad trains; Reflectorized materials; Research; Safety; Specifications; Traffic safety; Visibility; Warning systems
- Identifier Terms: U.S. Federal Railroad Administration
- Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness
- Old TRIS Terms: Fra
- Subject Areas: Railroads; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00051469
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
- Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-FRA-73-1 Final Rpt
- Files: NTL, TRIS
- Created Date: May 7 1976 12:00AM