Mistakes or deliberate violations? A study into the origins of rule breaking at pedestrian train crossings

Abstract

Train pedestrian collisions are the most likely to result in severe injuries and fatalities when compared to other types of rail crossing accidents. However, there is currently scant research that has examined the origins of pedestrians' rule breaking at level crossings. As a result, this study examined the origins of pedestrians' rule breaking behaviour at crossings, with particular emphasis directed towards examining the factors associated with making errors versus deliberation violations. A total of 636 individuals volunteered to participate in the study and completed either an online or paper version of the questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of the data revealed that knowledge regarding crossing rules was high, although up to 18% of level crossing users were either unsure or did not know (in some circumstances) when it was legal to cross at a level crossing. Furthermore, 156 participants (24.52%) reported having intentionally violated the rules at level crossings and 3.46% (n=22) of the sample had previously made a mistake at a crossing. In regards to rule violators, males (particularly minors) were more likely to report breaking rules, and the most frequent occurrence was after the train had passed rather than before it arrives. Regression analysis revealed that males who frequently use pedestrian crossings and report higher sensation seeking traits are most likely to break the rules. This research provides evidence that pedestrians are more likely to deliberately violate rules (rather than make errors) at crossings and it illuminates high risk groups. This paper will further outline the study findings in regards to the development of countermeasures as well as provide direction for future research efforts in this area.

Factors Affecting Efficiency of Railways in Terms of Safety at Railway Level Crossings

“…The increased number of accidents between 2003 and 2011 in Australia at LCs which involved pedestrians have been studied by Stefanova et al [17]. The finding of Freeman and Rakotonirainy [18] show that pedestrians are more likely to deliberately violate traffic rules rather than make errors and suggested that there is a need to develop the injured prevention education schemes that will help to reduce the number of pedestrians involved in accidents at LCs. The low probability of pedestrians violating traffic rules at LCs to be apprehended can be prone to repeat the dangerous habit.…”

Violations of safe diving practices among 122 diver fatalities

“…Deviation from established safe diving practices has also previously been found associated with recreational diving mortality [4,5], morbidity and near-miss incidents [6,7]. Previous researchers in non-diving settings have noted that many unsafe deviations appear to be intentional choices, later thought associated with fatalities [8,9]. Lagache [10] found 87% of fatalities in the 1989 Ontario Underwater Council reports had such deviations, with 86% contributing to the chain of events leading to death.…”

Adaptation of Heuristic Evaluations for the Physical Environment

“…Studies have shown that these are likely ineffective measures, considering that 60% of drivers will ignore traffic signal direction and circumvent warning systems even when a train is visible (Larue, Naweed, & Rodwell, 2018). Users are also more prone to deliberately, as opposed to accidentally, break crossing rules (24.52% vs 3.46%; Freeman & Rakotonirainy, 2015). This is not an issue of fundamental safety, but of a system design that is likely incompatible with user needs, behaviors, and perceptions.…”