Driver behavior at highway–rail grade crossings with passive traffic controls: A driving simulator study

Abstract

ABSTRACTSolutions to highway–rail grade crossings require understanding driver responses to traffic controls at crossings. This study examines differences in driver behaviors and safety at several types of passive traffic controls at grade crossings utilizing a high-fidelity driving simulator at the University of Tennessee. This article investigates the use of Stop and Yield signs as viable alternatives to upgrading a passive grade crossing to an active grade crossing. In addition to presenting descriptive statistics, mixed-effects regression models were estimated to handle repeated observations by 64 test participants. Additionally, path analysis provides a more nuanced interpretation of the results. Stop signs at railroad grade crossings were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of drivers looking for an oncoming train while approaching such passive crossings. They were also more inclined to reduce speeds and or stop. There were fewer violations at crossings with Stop signs when a train coming. The behaviors of drivers when faced with Yield signs were very similar to crossbuck signs, with little looking or stopping. The findings imply that Stop signs have the potential to decrease the chance of colliding with a train at passive grade crossings and reduce the crash severity even if a crash occurs.