Investigation of Train Warning Times and Gate Violations

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between train warning times and instances of motorists driving around fully deployed crossing gates at a highway–rail grade crossing equipped with median barriers (lane separators). The purpose of the median barriers is to deter motorists from driving around fully deployed gates. The premise for this research was the expectation that longer train warning times were accompanied by more numerous occurrences of driving around fully deployed crossing gates, notwithstanding the presence of median barriers. Data on motorists’ opportunities to drive around fully deployed crossing gates, actual instances of driving around those gates, warning times experienced by motorists, and some additional variables were collected at a study site during a 2-month period. The study site was equipped with median barriers on both sides of the crossing to discourage driving around fully deployed gates. Data analysis showed that after violation opportunities and certain other variables were controlled for, longer train warning times were indeed associated with more frequent instances of motorists driving around gates. The finding emphasizes the provision of adequate but not excessively long warning times at highway–rail grade crossings equipped with dual-quadrant gates. On the basis of the research findings, the paper provides options for improving safety at highway–rail grade crossings.