The University of Adelaide CENTRE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY RESEARCH

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Publication Details

TitleAn Evaluation Of Retro-Reflective Screens To Aid Conspicuity Of Trains At Passive-Control Level Crossings At Night
AuthorsThompson JP, Baldock MRJ, Stokes CS
Year2021
TypeConference Paper
AbstractTrains already passing through level crossings in rural areas at night can be difficult for approaching motorists to see. Crashes can occur if the crossing has ‘passive’ controls (Give way/Stop signs) and motorists fail to stop. Retro-reflective screens on the far side of the crossing to motorists that reflect headlights and produce a ‘strobing’ effect between carriages could increase train conspicuity. A prototype screen was applied to a crossing in South Australia. Four videos of trains at night from the perspective of an approaching vehicle (conditions: high versus low beam headlights, screen versus no screen) were recorded and used in a reaction time experiment with N=29 drivers. With high beams, the screen led to shorter reaction times, which suggests it increased train visibility. With low beams, it led to longer reaction times, which suggests it reduced train visibility or confused drivers. Implications, study limitations and further experimental testing are discussed.
Conference Name2021 Australasian Road Safety Conference
Conference AbbreviationARSC21
Conference LocationMelbourne, Australia
Conference Date28-30 September 2021

Reference
Thompson JP, Baldock MRJ, Stokes CS (2021). An Evaluation Of Retro-Reflective Screens To Aid Conspicuity Of Trains At Passive-Control Level Crossings At Night. 2021 Australasian Road Safety Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 28-30 September 2021.