WARNING TIME REQUIREMENTS AT RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS WITH ACTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL. FINAL REPORT

Research was conducted to assess the effects of warning time on driver behavior and safety at rail-highway grade crossings with active traffic control. Warning time is defined as the time between traffic control device activation and train arrival. As part of the research, detailed driver response data from two crossings with flashing light signals and one with gates and flashing light signals were analyzed. In addition, a laboratory assessment of drivers' warning time expectancies and tolerance levels at active crossings was conducted, and relevant warning time practices in six foreign countries were surveyed. The results of the studies and survey were used to develop suggested guidelines for minimum, maximum, and desirable warning times at grade crossings with active traffic control. A computer simulation model was also developed to predict the effects of excessive warning times on crossing violations and motorist delay.