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Ahmed J, Robinson A, Miller EE. Effectiveness of signs for pedestrian-railroad crossings: Colors, shapes, and messaging strategies. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2024; 89:141-151. [PMID: 38858037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Train-pedestrian conflicts result in a substantial number of serious and fatal injuries annually. Signs indicating safe and permissible behaviors near railroad rights of way are commonly relied upon to mitigate collisions. However, the effectiveness of these signs in preventing accidents often depends on clarity and interpretation of the sign. The objective of this study was to evaluate the (1) effectiveness of sign messaging strategies and designs at pedestrian-railroad crossings, and (2) effects of context and risk-taking propensity on decisions to cross tracks. METHOD A survey study (N = 1011) was conducted comparing likeliness to cross for a variety of pedestrian-railroad scenarios. The DOSPERT scale was included to estimate an individuals' risk-taking. RESULTS Findings reveal that action-conveying and emotionally-motivated signs are more effective in discouraging railroad crossing in high-risk situations (i.e., train present, crossing gates down, or warning lights flashing), compared to information-only signs. However, decisions to cross are primarily influenced by the presence of a train and crossing gates' status, followed by sign type. MaxDiff analysis show that yellow signs with black symbols and square shaped signs are perceived as the clearest in conveying safety information, compared to black on white, red on white, and circular signs. Additionally, individuals who cross railroad tracks as pedestrians more frequently exhibit higher risk-taking tendencies, while there is no relationship between driving across tracks and risk-taking propensity. Males and younger individuals also have higher risk-taking tendencies. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS These findings have implications for policy and practice, such as revising manuals to incorporate more effective sign designs and targeted educational campaigns for high-risk groups. It is also crucial to conduct ongoing monitoring of implemented interventions, which could follow the framework presented in this paper. The study emphasizes collaboration across sectors to improve overall safety at pedestrian-railroad crossings, contributing to safer transportation infrastructure for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jubaer Ahmed
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, 6029 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA
| | - Angie Robinson
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, 6029 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA
| | - Erika E Miller
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, 6029 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA.
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Zhang J, Liu F, Chen Z, Yu Z, Xiao X, Shi L, Guo Z. A multi-level analysis on the causes of train-pedestrian collisions in Southwest China 2011-2020. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2023; 193:107332. [PMID: 37801815 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Collisions between trains and pedestrians are the primary cause of railway casualties. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the underlying causes of this phenomenon. This study employs a multi-level approach to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence and severity of train-pedestrian collisions. The investigation is based on 2160 independent cases that occurred in southwest China from 2011 to 2020. Multiple contributing factors related to the victim, train, track, and socio-economic status of the surrounding district were examined, utilizing information from various sources. At the county level, several risk factors were identified in predicting the occurrence rate. These factors include higher population density and a greater number of normal-speed stations. However, the presence of high-speed train stations did not exhibit any significant impact. Additionally, the study found that regulations pertaining to protective fences were highly effective in reducing the occurrence rate. Regarding the prediction of collision severity, certain factors were found to increase the death rate. These factors include young men as victims, engaging in lying down or crossing behaviors, higher train speeds, gentle downhill slopes, lower education levels, and a higher proportion of the labor force. These findings emphasize the necessity of adopting a comprehensive perspective when examining the causes of train-pedestrian collisions. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of considering the notable differences between rapidly developing countries such as China and developed countries. Based on our findings, we also provide corresponding policy suggestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zhenqi Chen
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zhenhua Yu
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xingyao Xiao
- Berkeley School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Integrated Transportation Big Data Application Technology, Chengdu 611756, China; National United Engineering Laboratory of Integrated and Intelligent Transportation, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China; Comprehensive Transportation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zizheng Guo
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Integrated Transportation Big Data Application Technology, Chengdu 611756, China; National United Engineering Laboratory of Integrated and Intelligent Transportation, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China; Comprehensive Transportation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610031, China.
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Vivek AK, Mohapatra SS. An observational study on pedestrian and bicyclist violations at railroad grade crossings: Exploring the impact of geometrical and operational attributes. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 87:395-406. [PMID: 38081712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In order to enhance the existing body of research regarding the prevalence of violations committed by pedestrians and bicyclists, this observational study utilized personal-specific, train-specific, operational, and behavioral data extracted from recorded videos at seven railroad grade crossings (RRGCs). METHOD A total of 7,332 pedestrians and 1,684 bicyclist crossing events were observed during 279 gate operation phases at seven study locations. First, two separate violation models (binary logit) for pedestrians and bicyclists were developed to determine the influence of personal-specific characteristics and other behavioral traits on probability of pedestrians' and bicyclists' violation. Later, the impact of various geometrical (railway track, distance between gates, distance between gate and nearest track, and road width) and operational (train vehicle unit) parameters on the factors that caused non-motorist violations was examined by developing distinctbinary logit models. RESULTS The probability of pedestrians'and bicyclists' violationwas found to be significantly influenced by train characteristics (train speed and train occupancy time), gate operational attributes (warning time and gate blockage duration), and personal-specificcharacteristics (gender, age, crossing speed, and looking both side). Furthermore, geometrical attributes along with train vehicle unit were observed to have impact over various factors that significantly influenced the behavior of pedestrians and bicyclists to violate. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The findings of this research provide essential information that could be applied in the initiatives of user awareness and enforcement program, emphasis on situational awareness and design of operational and geometricalelementsto significantlylimitthe effects of risky walking andbicycling behavior at RRGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adheesh Kumar Vivek
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Studies in Engineering & Technology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495009, India
| | - Smruti Sourava Mohapatra
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India.
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Cubillos-Pinilla L, Emmerling F. Taking the chance!-Interindividual differences in rule-breaking. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274837. [PMID: 36206253 PMCID: PMC9544015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While some individuals tend to follow norms, others, in the face of tempting but forbidden options, tend to commit rule-breaking when this action is beneficial for themselves. Previous studies have neglected such interindividual differences in rule-breaking. The present study fills this gap by investigating cognitive characteristics of individuals who commit spontaneous deliberative rule-breaking (rule-breakers) versus rule-followers. We developed a computerised task, in which 133 participants were incentivised to sometimes violate set rules which would-if followed-lead to a loss. While 52% of participants tended to break rules to obtain a benefit, 48% tended to follow rules even if this behaviour led to loss. Although rule-breakers experienced significantly more cognitive conflict (measured via response times and mouse movement trajectories) than rule-followers, they also obtained higher payoffs. In rule-breakers, cognitive conflict was more pronounced when violating the rules than when following them, and mainly during action planning. This conflict increased with frequent, recurrent, and early rule-breaking. Our results were in line with the Decision-Implementation-Mandatory switch-Inhibition model and thus extend the application of this model to the interindividual differences in rule-breaking. Furthermore, personality traits such as extroversion, disagreeableness, risk propensity, high impulsiveness seem to play a role in the appreciation of behaviours and cognitive characteristics of rule-followers and rule-breakers. This study opens the path towards the understanding of the cognitive characteristics of the interindividual differences in responses towards rules, and especially in spontaneous deliberative rule-breaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidy Cubillos-Pinilla
- Neurophysiology Leadership Laboratory, Technical University München–School of Management, Chair of Research and Science Management, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Franziska Emmerling
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Technical University München–School of Management, Chair of Research and Science Management, Head of Neurophysiology Leadership Laboratory, Munich, Germany
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Vivek AK, Khan T, Mohapatra SS. Safety and associated parameters influencing performance of rail road grade crossings: A critical review of state of the art. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2021; 79:257-272. [PMID: 34848006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Railroad grade crossings (RRGCs) have emerged as critical transportation infrastructures from the point of safety and operational aspects because two modes of transportation intermingle at the intersecting zone; the understanding of safety and traffic operation at RRGC is of prime concern while planning and designing this transportation facility. METHOD In this context, this work tries to comprehend RRGC performance-related parameters from published literature and figure out critical gaps. An international synthesis on the identified potential parameters influencing the RRGC performance (i.e., safety, driver behavior, and operational impact) was carried out by critically reviewing the articles published worldwide. Furthermore, key findings, used variables, analysis methods, research gaps, and recommendations were studied. RESULTS The review revealed that many researchers had explored the driver behavior and safety aspect based on past crash data and violations prevailing at RRGC. However, little research has been done to evaluate the effect of highways' operational characteristics on the performance of RRGC. Moreover, limited investigation has been carried out to understand the dilemma of drivers and the proactive safety evaluation of pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles at RRGC. A total of seven critical research gaps concerning parameters are recognized, facilitating a clear agenda for further research pertaining to RRGC performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adheesh Kumar Vivek
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Tathagatha Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Smruti Sourava Mohapatra
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India.
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Useche SA, Hezaveh AM, Llamazares FJ, Cherry C. Not gendered… but different from each other? A structural equation model for explaining risky road behaviors of female and male pedestrians. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2021; 150:105942. [PMID: 33338915 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2020.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED As alternative transportation is getting more and more fashionable, and more people worldwide are "shifting" to walking trips, even for their daily commuting, traffic crashes suffered by pedestrians are still a great concern for road safety and public health researchers and practitioners. In this regard, risky or "aberrant" road behaviors have emerged, during the last few years, as a key issue to be considered for crash prevention. Nevertheless, the idea of a "generic pedestrian" is getting re-evaluated, and analyzing key features, such as gender, seems to be crucial for understanding pedestrians' performance and safety outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the effect of gender on pedestrians' both deliberate (traffic violations) and undeliberate (errors) risky walking behaviors, considering a set of theoretically based demographic and psychosocial variables as their potential predictors. METHOD For this cross-sectional study, data from 1070 Spanish pedestrians (60 % females and 40 % males, aged between 16 and 79) from the 17 regions of Spain, responding to an electronic questionnaire, were analyzed through a multi-group structural equation modeling (MGSEM) approach. RESULTS Although age, handheld device-interaction, and sensation-seeking seem to have a similar effect on the errors and violations reported by both genders (similarities), factors such as risk perception, educational level and the misbehaviors observed in other road users are significant predictors only in the case of male pedestrians. On the other hand, road distractions have been shown to play a significant role in females' errors and violations, while males' road distractions seem to only affect their involuntary risky behaviors. CONCLUSION The findings of this study support the influence of gender in the statistical explanation of both deliberate and undeliberate walking risky road behaviors, also depicting the differential role of certain demographic and psychosocial factors when we compare male and female pedestrians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Useche
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, 46022, Spain; INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, Valencia, 46022, Spain.
| | - Amin Mohamadi Hezaveh
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2313, United States.
| | | | - Christopher Cherry
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2313, United States.
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Larue GS, Blackman RA, Freeman J. Frustration at congested railway level crossings: How long before extended closures result in risky behaviours? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 82:102943. [PMID: 31476605 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Drivers' non-compliance with rules is a prominent factor in collisions with trains at railway level crossings. Road user impatience and frustration has been identified as an underlying factor in non-compliance and can be characterised as a specific risk factor. However, research on non-compliance related to waiting times and driver inconvenience lacks in the literature. This paper, therefore, seeks to enhance the currently limited understanding of the relationship between waiting times and risky driver behaviour. An Advanced Driving Simulator was used to obtain objective measures of level crossing non-compliance. Subjective measures on driver frustration and decision-making processes were also collected. Sixty participants completed six driving tasks each, with the tasks varying in terms of traffic conditions, number of trains and associated waiting times. This study shows that increased waiting times result in higher levels of frustration and an increased likelihood of risky driving behaviour, particularly for waiting times longer than 3 min. Non-compliance included entering the activated crossing before boom gates are down, entering the crossing after the train passage but before signals are deactivated, stopping/reversing on the crossing. Subjective data revealed that participants did not comply with level crossing rules due to factors including time pressure, impatience/frustration and low perceived risk. The results suggest that, where possible, waiting times should be standardised at values lower than 3 min to reduce the likelihood of risky road user behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire S Larue
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI), Canberra, Australia.
| | - Ross A Blackman
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James Freeman
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Byerly S, Inaba K, Biswas S, Cheng V, Cho J, Wang E, Strumwasser A, Matsushima K, Demetriades D. Hit by a Train: Injury Burden and Clinical Outcomes. J Emerg Med 2019; 57:6-12. [PMID: 31078347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data exist regarding the train vs. pedestrian (TVP) injury burden and outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and outcomes associated with TVP injuries. METHODS This is a retrospective National Trauma Databank study (January 2007 to July 2012) including trauma patients sustaining TVP injury. Demographics, injury data, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted. Patients injured by a train were compared to patients who sustained an automobile vs. pedestrian (AVP) injury. RESULTS Of the 152,631 patients struck by ground transportation during the study time frame, 1863 (1.2%) were TVP. Median TVP age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 24-50 years), 81.6% were male, median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 13 (IQR 6-24). TVP patients were more severely injured (ISS 13 vs. 9; p < 0.001) and required more proximal amputations (13.4% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001) and cavitary operations (18.2% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001). TVP patients had higher rates of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and transfusion, longer length of stay, and higher in-hospital mortality. On multivariable logistical regression, TVP was an independent predictor for higher injury burden, ISS ≥25 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.650), immediate operative need (AOR 7.535), and complications (AOR 1.317). CONCLUSIONS TVP is associated with a significant injury burden. These patients have a significantly higher need for immediate operation and more complicated hospital course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskya Byerly
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Subarna Biswas
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vince Cheng
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jayun Cho
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eugene Wang
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aaron Strumwasser
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kazuhide Matsushima
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Demetrios Demetriades
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Read GJM, Stevens EL, Lenné MG, Stanton NA, Walker GH, Salmon PM. Walking the talk: Comparing pedestrian 'activity as imagined' with 'activity as done'. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 113:74-84. [PMID: 29407671 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, is an important issue worldwide. In line with the shift towards systems thinking in transport safety, the aim of this study was to compare the normal performance of pedestrians as they navigate the road system with that imagined by road system managers to gain insights into how safety management can be improved for this vulnerable road user group. The Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork framework was used to compare pedestrian activity 'as imagined' and 'as done' at signalised road intersections and railway level crossings. Data regarding 'activity as imagined' was derived from documentation review, and data on 'activity as done' was derived from a semi-naturalistic study of ten participants. It is concluded that in both environments pedestrians exhibited more diversity and variability than anticipated by system managers. Insights for improving the design of the road environment for pedestrians are provided. Further, it is argued that wider changes to the processes used in the design and management of road systems are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma J M Read
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Erin L Stevens
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael G Lenné
- Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neville A Stanton
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Transportation Research Group, Civil, Maritime, Environmental Engineering & Science Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Guy H Walker
- Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul M Salmon
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
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Land Use as a Motivation for Railway Trespassing: Experience from the Czech Republic. LAND 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/land7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zhao S, Khattak AJ. Factors associated with self-reported inattentive driving at highway-rail grade crossings. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 109:113-122. [PMID: 29059533 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This research identified factors associated with inattentive driving at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) by investigating drivers' self-reported inattentive driving experiences and factors pertaining to their socioeconomic, personality, attitudinal, and other characteristics. A random selection of 2500 households in Nebraska received a survey questionnaire designed for licensed motor vehicle drivers; respondents returned 980 questionnaires. Factor analysis identified latent variables evaluating drivers' patience and inclination to wait for trains, attitudes toward new technology, law enforcement or education regarding HRGC safety, and the propensity to commit serious traffic violations at HRGCs. The investigation utilized a structural equation model for analysis. This model indicated that drivers with a higher risk of inattentive driving at HRGCs were: female, younger in age, from households with higher incomes, with shorter tenure (in years) in their current city of residence, more frequently used HRGCs, received less information on safety at HRGCs, had less patience to wait for trains to pass and had less interest in safety improvement technology, law enforcement or safety education at HRGCs. These research findings provide useful information for future research and to policy makers for improving public safety. Additionally, the results are useful for safety educational program providers for targeted program delivery to drivers that are more vulnerable to distracted driving at HRGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Connecticut Transportation Institute, University of Connecticut, 270 Middle Turnpike Unit 5202, Storrs, CT 06269-5202, United States.
| | - Aemal J Khattak
- Department of Civil Engineering and Nebraska Transportation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 330E Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School, 2200 Vine Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0851, United States.
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Barić D, Pilko H, Starčević M. Introducing experiment in pedestrian behaviour and risk perception study at urban level crossing. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2017; 25:102-112. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2017.1341934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Barić
- Department of Road Transport, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Pilko
- Department of Road Transport, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martin Starčević
- Department of Railway Transport, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Palat B, Paran F, Delhomme P. Applying an extended theory of planned behavior to predicting violations at automated railroad crossings. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 98:174-184. [PMID: 27744266 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB, Ajzen, 1985, 1991), we conducted surveys in order to explain and predict violations at a railroad crossing, among pedestrians (n=153) and car drivers (n=151). Measures were made with respect to three chronologically related railroad crossing situations that varied in risk level. The situations were described in scenarios and depicted on photographs. The participants were recruited in the suburbs of Paris, at two automated railroad crossings with four half-barriers. We found that the pedestrians had stronger crossing intentions than did car drivers, especially at the more congested crossing of the two under study. For both categories of road users, intentions and the amount of intention variance explained by the extended TPB factors decreased significantly with risk level. In the most dangerous situations, risk-taking was the most unlikely and the least predictable Self-reported past frequency of crossing against safety warning devices was the main predictor of the intention to commit this violation again, especially among males, followed by the attitude and the injunctive norm in favor the violation. Moreover, car drivers were influenced in their crossing intentions by the descriptive norm. The presence of another vehicle on the tracks when the safety warning devices were activated was perceived not as facilitating, but as an additional risk factor. The discussion addresses the importance of taking into account these determinants of violations in conceiving countermeasures. Our findings could be especially useful for conceiving risk-communication campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej Palat
- Ifsttar, Planning Mobilities Environment Department, Mobility and Behavior Psychology Lab (Ifsttar-LPC), 25 Allée des Marronniers, F-78000 Versailles-Satory, France.
| | - Françoise Paran
- Ifsttar, Planning Mobilities Environment Department, Mobility and Behavior Psychology Lab (Ifsttar-LPC), 25 Allée des Marronniers, F-78000 Versailles-Satory, France.
| | - Patricia Delhomme
- Ifsttar, Planning Mobilities Environment Department, Mobility and Behavior Psychology Lab (Ifsttar-LPC), 25 Allée des Marronniers, F-78000 Versailles-Satory, France.
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