Investigation of distracted driving activities at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGC).
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2013-12-01
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Abstract:Safety at highway
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rail grade crossings (HRGCs) is a major concern for various agencies due to the high probability of
severe injuries and fatalities associated with such locations. In the
year 2010, 2,055 crashes and 227 fatalities were reported
at grade crossings in the U.S. Of these, 97 crashes were reported at or adjacent to HRGCs in the state of Nebraska,
including 43 crashes involving distracted driving. Distracted driving behaviors at
HRGCs may increase driver
susceptibility to the hazards common to grade crossings, and should therefore be carefully considered in efforts to maintain
and improve safety at HRGCs. The objectives of this research were to report on the frequency and sources
of distracted
driving at HRGCs in Nebraska and to empirically identify factors that may be associated with distracted driving. Data on
distracted driving activities were collected at two Nebraska HRGCs. Analyses indicated that, overall, female drivers wer
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more likely to be distracted than male drivers. Drivers of commercial vehicles exhibited higher distraction rates than non
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commercial drivers. Driver, vehicle, and environmental characteristics contributed differently to varying levels of driver
distract
ions. The presence of passengers and weather conditions (e.g., clear and dry pavement) were two major contributors
to increased instances of distracted driving at HRGCs. Certain aspects of distracted driving at HRGCs that would benefit
from further investi
gation are recommended.
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