United States Department of Transportation
i
Use of auxiliary external alerting devices to improve locomotive conspicuity
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1995-07-01
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[PDF-9.40 MB]
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Edition:Final Report October 1991 - May 1995
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Abstract:Historically, highway-railroad grade crossings have represented a major hazard to motor vehicle drivers. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has initiated a comprehensive research program to address grade crossing safety issues in order to reduce the number of train-motor vehicle collisions. One area of study investigates measures to improve the ability of motor vehicle drivers to detect the approach of the train at grade crossings by enhancing train conspicuity.
The FRA has identified several types of auxiliary external alerting light arrangements as acceptable locomotive conspicuity measures and issued two Interim Rules in 1993 and 1994.
This study investigated the performance of currently available external visual alerting devices for installation on locomotives. A variety of passive (paint schemes and reflective materials) and active (lights) systems were reviewed. These devices were evaluated in terms of their ability to assist the motorist to: (1) detect the approaching train, (2) recognize the potential of the hazard, and (3) estimate its approach, and thus avoid a collision with a train at a grade crossing.
Controlled field testing was conducted to measure the effect of selected locomotive alerting light systems on observers. In-service railroad test operational experience for locomotives equipped with crossing lights, used in combination with the standard headlight, was also evaluated in terms of capital costs, maintenance, operational concerns, and accident data.
The results of the controlled field tests indicate that the use of selected alerting light systems, rather than the use of the standard headlight alone, is an effective means of enhancing locomotive visibility. The preliminary in-service accident data provided by participating railroads indicates a potential for significant accident rate reduction with the use of the crossing light system.
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