Gate violations by truck drivers at highway-rail grade crossings in two cities

Abstract

Gate violations during train crossing events by truck drivers at highway-rail grade crossings in two cities were investigated. About 22% of the collected observations involved gate violations by truck drivers. Analysis showed that the frequencies of gate violations increased with higher truck traffic during crossing events and drivers of single-unit trucks displayed a greater propensity for gate violations compared with drivers of trucks with trailers. Violations were more frequent with longer times between the onset of flashing lights and train arrivals at the crossings. Options for reducing truck drivers’ gate violations at gated crossings are provided.