An investigation of driver's visual processes while approaching a level crossing

Abstract

Although the trains' right of way at level crossings is depicted clearly, accidents still happen. Earlier findings indicate that many accidents occuring at level crossings without barriers can be assigned to errors in road users' information admission. In the current study, 24 drivers took part in a test drive, during which a level crossing without any technical protection and one furnished with a yellow-red light signal was passed. An analysis of eye tracking and driving data was conducted. The results reveal that all participants fixated at least parts of the protection layout. The first signs announcing the level crossing at a distance of 240m for example were noticed by a majority of drivers. Nevertheless, two third of all participants did not check the rails for an oncoming train. The speed was significantly decreased at a distance of 80m in front of the level crossing. Participants who checked the tracks for a train had a significant lower speed while passing the level crossings than those who did not. It can be assumed that many accidents do not not happen due to simle overlooking of relevant information. Besides the deficient checking for oncoming trains, cognitive effects like inattentional blindness might play a role.