Variability in decision-making and critical cue use by different road users at rail level crossings

Abstract

Collisions at rail level crossings (RLXs) are typically high-severity and high-cost, often involving serious injuries, fatalities and major disruptions to the transport network. Most research examining behaviour at RLXs has focused exclusively on drivers and consequently there is little knowledge on how other road users make decisions at RLXs. We collected drivers’, motorcyclists’, bicyclists’ and pedestrians’ self-reported daily experiences at RLXs for two weeks, focusing on behaviour, decision-making and information use in the presence of a train and/or activated RLX signals. Both information use and behaviour differed between road users. Visual information (e.g. flashing lights) was more influential for motorists, whereas pedestrians and cyclists relied more on auditory information (e.g. bells). Pedestrians were also more likely to violate active RLX warnings and/or cross before an approaching train. These results emphasise the importance of adopting holistic RLX design approaches that support cognition and behaviour across for all road users.

Practitioner Summary: This study explores how information use and decision-making at rail level crossings (RLXs) differ between road user groups, using a two-week self-report study. Most users make safe decisions, but pedestrians are most likely to violate RLX warnings. Information use (visual vs. auditory) also differs substantially between road user groups.

Keywords:

• Rail level crossings
• grade crossings
• decision-making
• situation awareness

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the project partners and community participants. Without their valuable input and commitment, this research would not be possible. We also thank Gemma Read, Ashleigh Filtness and Jessica Edquist for their assistance with this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2009 (S.R. No. 94/2009) state that: ‘A driver must not enter a level crossing if – (a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing; or (b) a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or (c) a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or (d) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the driver entered the crossing; or (e) the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked’.