Citation

Rys MJ, Shah H, Russell E. J. Transp. Res. Forum 2009; 48(2): 39-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Transportation Research Forum)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The use of STOP signs at passive grade crossings has been promoted as a low-cost safety measure, but concerns have been raised about its effectiveness and proper application. This paper presents an overview of drivers' stopping behavior at different passive warning sign systems, including the STOP sign. A field study was conducted on nine grade crossings in Kentucky with warning devices to determine driver's approach behavior. Various statistical analysis and comparisons are done for stopping of heavy trucks, school buses and other vehicles at crossings with both poor and good sight distance on their approaches. Results from the field tests show that the majority (79%) of drivers did not stop at the STOP signs at the passive grade crossings. Drivers of heavy trucks had a lower level of compliance that any other vehicle. A higher percentage of drivers actually stopped at crossings with poor sight distance on the approach than on approaches with good sight distance. The findings from this study indicate that a STOP sign should not be used at grade crossings unless an engineering study that includes an evaluation of the sight distance has been conducted.