Project Abstract

The overall objective of this study is to conduct a human factors survey to understand drivers' and pedestrians' behavior and perceptions at various types of railroad crossings and determine their understanding of different types of traffic control devices. This understanding would help the Diagnostic Team to take necessary steps to improve the safety of railroad crossings and also determine the appropriate information that should be included in the driver's manuals.

A recent study of railroad crossings by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB, 1998) concluded that the standard signs mandated by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices fail to communicate to the driver what action is needed at a crossing. Another recent study found that many drivers do not fully understand what is required of them when they encounter a flashing light signal at a railroad crossing (Abraham et al., 1998). To understand driver behavior at different types of crossings, it is necessary to conduct a human factors survey of driver behavior and perceptions. Driver behavior is dependent on the background of the driver and can vary between different parts of the country. This survey would help in the design and installation of appropriate traffic control devices and find better ways of educating the driving population about the possible hazards. An important component of driver education is to ensure that appropriate information is included in the driver's manuals and appropriate questions are included in the written driver's exams. A preliminary review of selected pages of New Jersey's driver's manual indicates that the manual does not provide a comprehensive coverage of the topic in a user-friendly manner.

To improve the safety at railroad highway crossings, this project will study driver perceptions and behavior at railroad crossings, and develop a new drivers' manual that will provide the reader with clear and concise information about different types of railroad crossings and the appropriate response under these situations.

This study has three distinct parts. The first part, tasks 1,2, and 3, will involve the classification of highway railroad crossings and traffic control devices and a survey of other states and their drivers' manuals. The second part, task 4, will involve a human factors experiment to study driver behavior and perceptions at different types of crossings with different types of traffic control devices. The outcomes of task 4 will help to understand how different drivers and pedestrians respond to various warning devices at different types of railroad crossings in New Jersey. The final part, task 5, will utilize the information from tasks 1 through 4, to develop a new Drivers' Manual and a new Commercial Drivers' Manual for New Jersey.

Relationship with Other Research Activities

None

Technology Transfer Activities

Throughout the course of our research plan, the project team will present our findings to the NJDOT through a variety of media including Microsoft Power Point and other demonstration software. These presentations will be highly interactive, providing opportunities for questions, input and feedback.

The following presentation sessions are anticipated:

Presentation of general and detailed literature search Demonstration of human factors laboratory experiments Presentation of findings from the human factors experiments Details of the implementation and training plan will be determined at various stages of he project with input from the NJDOT.
 

Benefits of the Project:

Through the study of the current project the following research results will be anticipated: Understanding of drivers' and pedestrians' perception/comprehension of warning devices at various types of railroad grade crossings in New Jersey. Understanding the risk-taking attitude of different drivers and pedestrians upon passing the railroad crossing. Identification and development of user-friendly instructions pertaining to railroad crossing safety in the Drivers' Manual and Commercial Drivers' Manual of the State of New Jersey

Through the study of the current project the following research results will be anticipated: Understanding of drivers' and pedestrians' perception/comprehension of warning devices at various types of railroad grade crossings in New Jersey. Understanding the risk-taking attitude of different drivers and pedestrians upon passing the railroad crossing. Identification and development of user-friendly instructions pertaining to railroad crossing safety in the Drivers' Manual and Commercial Drivers' Manual of the State of New Jersey.