Advanced Warning System to Improve Safety at Train Grade Crossings

Joaquin Haces-Garcia, Arturo Haces-Garcia, Francisco Haces-Garcia and Francisco Haces-Fernandez
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Joaquin Haces-Garcia: Academy High School, Santa Gertrudis School District, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
Arturo Haces-Garcia: College of Engineering, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
Francisco Haces-Garcia: College of Engineering, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
Francisco Haces-Fernandez: College of Business Administration, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: The severity of traffic accidents at train grade crossings has led to efforts in mitigating their potential damaging effects. Over the last 45 years, significant investment has been made at these crossings in the United States to reduce the number of accidents. Initially, these improvements reduced accidents, but in the last decade, the numbers have plateaued, even as additional safety investment has continued. Geospatial data from the Federal Railroad Administration was evaluated to ascertain the causes of the efficacy reduction of traditional safety measures. Temporal patterns were detected in diverse parameters that measure accident seriousness such as their frequency, financial damages, injuries, and deaths. An advanced warning system for motorist was proposed in this research to allow them enough time to change their schedules and driving routes, avoiding blockages caused by incoming trains. To avoid pitfalls from previous proposed systems the model will be initially implemented in locations with a high number of accidents and lower layout complexity for the railway, roads, and train grade crossings. Two railways in Texas were selected for the initial implementation of the system. The proposed pilot locations showed high potential for the development of the advanced warning system, in preparation for a broader effort to continue the improvement in safety at railway crossings.

Keywords: train grade crossings; accidents; advanced warning system; accident investigation; train service (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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