Exploring the Effects of Signs’ Design and In-Vehicle Audio Warning on Driver Behavior at Flashing-Light-Controlled Grade Crossings: A Driving Simulator-Based Study

Yang, Jingsi; Yan, Xuedong; Xue, Qingwan; Li, Xiaomeng; Duan, Ke; Hang, Junyu; Li, Wanjun · 2019 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1155/2019/2497459

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Summary

This study addresses the safety challenges at flashing-light-controlled grade crossings (FLCGCs), where driver non-compliance and violations contribute significantly to collisions. Motivated by the limitations of conventional static signs and the potential of emerging technologies, the authors propose a low-cost "flashing-light running" (FLR) warning system. This system combines an optimized design of signs and pavement markings (PSM) with a two-stage in-vehicle audio warning (IVAW) technology. The research aims to evaluate whether these countermeasures improve driver behavior, mitigate the negative effects of adverse weather, and reduce disparities in driver performance based on gender and vocation. The researchers conducted a driving simulator study involving 44 fully licensed drivers aged 30 to 48, comprising both professional taxi drivers and non-professional drivers. The experiment utilized a high-fidelity simulator to test a 3 (crossing type) × 5 (flashing light trigger timing) × 2 (foggy condition) within-subjects design. The three crossing types were: a baseline condition using standard Chinese signage; a PSM condition featuring improved signs, dynamic envelope markings, and advanced warning signs; and a PSM + W condition adding a two-stage IVAW. The IVAW provided an initial alert 300 meters before the crossing and a second warning three seconds before the lights flashed. Flashing light trigger timings varied from 2 to 6 seconds, and visibility conditions included clear weather and heavy fog (50 m visibility). Five dependent variables were analyzed: compliance rate, approaching mean speed, brake reaction time, deceleration, and red-to-crossing time. The results indicated that driver performance improved in both the PSM-only and PSM + W conditions compared to the baseline. The FLR warning system effectively eliminated the negative impacts of foggy weather on driver behavior, maintaining safety metrics even under reduced visibility. Furthermore, the system helped reduce gender differences in driver behaviors, suggesting that the countermeasures assist drivers in making more consistent stop/go decisions. The study found that the combination of improved visual cues and timely auditory warnings enhanced driver compliance and reaction times, particularly in scenarios where drivers might otherwise face a "dilemma zone" or fail to perceive the hazard in time. The significance of these findings lies in the potential of the FLR warning system to reduce the probability of grade crossing collisions without the high costs associated with grade separation or physical gates. By demonstrating that optimized signage and two-stage audio warnings can counteract adverse weather effects and driver variability, the study supports the integration of intelligent vehicle-infrastructure cooperative technologies with traditional traffic control devices. These results provide evidence-based recommendations for updating grade crossing design standards, particularly in regions lacking comprehensive guidelines for active warning systems.

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Topics

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• rail grade crossings
• vru facing ehmi