Methodology of Changes in Level Crossings in order to Reduce Number of Offences

The aim of the methodology is to summarize and comment on the most common risk factors which were generated by the described surveys of road user behaviour on level crossings and accident analyses, and to design measures to eliminate or reduce illegal behaviour. There is an effort to prioritize the economically available designed measures for road administrators, which are particularly a matter of necessary know-how. This particularly concerns the complementation of new or non-traditional elements of road marking, whose effects have so far been underrated, thus opening reserves which can be used for road safety improvement. Apart from the behavioural surveys, the methodology uses continuously collected findings from a large set of level crossing inspections, which point out the fact that there is hardly any level crossing with correctly installed road marking (thus the urgent recommendation of precise care of road marking is logical). Sight lines are essential for road safety but their provision on a large number of level crossing is difficult from various reasons. The methodology mentions potential use of new technologies, particularly a so-called light barrier, which in some cases, according to the pilot experience, may be economical and technologically simpler alternative to supplementary mechanical barrier. The methodology does not intend to substitute or oppose the existing legal or technical regulations, but rather point out the circumstances which may contribute to behaviour that could be called illegal. The solutions are preferably searched for within the existing legislation; an example is the use of the existing Act. 361/2000 Coll., as amended, in order to remove useless road marking and signing of level crossings where the rail traffic is discontinued. The methodology tries to be simple and comprehensive, so that the issue and potential removal of problems were obvious (in order to spread awareness to the widest group competent experts). In order to be the most illustrative, a large number of figures presenting examples of safety risks and reconstructions.