A New Warning System for Protected Level Crossings

Abstract

A level crossing on a Japanese Railways line was improved from the human factors point of view. Improved features of the warning system installed there are outlined and effects of the changes are reported. Various good effects of the renewal were found in visibility of the warning lights, appraisal by road users, and video-recorded crossing behaviour. It was concluded that the renewal was highly successful and we advised the Japanese Railways to improve other level crossings similarly.

Human Factors Approach to Railway Safety.

“…Through testing begun on many models in the days before privatization of Japanese National Railways, a new type warning device with both a beacon and warning lamp attached on the tip of the overhang was proposed. A model crossing of this type was placed in service in 1988 19) . With this kind of stimulus, railway operators as well are putting efforts into improvement of crossing visibility.…”