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Citation |
Russell ER. Transp. Res. Rec. 1992; 1368: 39-48. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1992, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
In the late 1960s a flurry of new warning devices were proposed to improve conspicuity, or driver awareness, or understanding, or all three at railroad-highway crossings. A period of little or no activity in regard to these devices followed, probably because the emphasis in the 1970s and 1980s was on upgrading grade crossings to active warning devices on a priority basis. Most high-volume grade crossings have now been upgraded; however, thousands of passive grade crossings on low-volume roads exist where expensive active devices cannot be justified on a cost-effective basis. Thus, low-cost, innovative devices that are more effective have drawn renewed interest that will likely continue throughout the 1990s. Most of the devices presented are too new to be reported in the published literature. Most are in the early development stage and some have yet to be proven or studied adequately. However, the argument is presented that if a successful effort is to be made in the area of low-cost, innovative devices for low-volume grade crossings, a coordination of effort is needed, starting with an awareness of these as-yet fragmented studies. Brief backgrounds of innovative devices and discussion of recent efforts include the Conrail device (Ohio and Kansas); new retroreflective materials (Arizona, Minnesota, Vermont, and Nebraska); retroreflective trackside objects (Arizona); a proposed 3M/BN passive warning sign; a proposed adaptation of the variable aspect signs to be used at grade crossings; a Texas study to enhance the effectiveness of the current, standard crossbuck; a human factors study being conducted at the FHWA Turner Fairbank research facility; a Canadian study of new sign systems at passive crossings using intermediate signs; and a before and after study of the effects of an Operation Lifesaver media blitz on driver behavior at crossings. Language: en |