Factors reducing the detectability of train horns by road users: a laboratory study

Factors reducing the detectability of train horns by road users: a laboratory study

Level crossing safety is a well-researched safety issue worldwide, but little attention has been placed on the safety benefits of using train horns when trains approach level crossings. Given their adverse effects on the health of residents living near rail tracks, it is essential to ensure that the use of train horns is beneficial to safety. The current study sought to determine in a laboratory environment whether road users (N=31) can detect the range of train horns observed in Australia in terms of loudness and duration, using audio recordings from railway crossings. A repeated measures design was used to evaluate the effects of key factors likely to influence the detectability of train horns: visual and auditory distractive tasks, hearing loss and environmental noise (crossing bells). Train horn detectability was assessed based on participants' accuracy and reaction times. This study showed the duration of the train horn had the most significant effect on the detectability of train horns, with short train horns less likely to be detected. The presence of bells at a crossing was the second largest effect on reducing train horn detection. Train horn loudness also affected detectability: faint blasts are less likely to be noticed, while loudest blasts are more likely to be noticed. However, loud horns reduce the ability to detect the side from which the train is approaching, and may result in longer times to detect the train, in the field. The auditory distractive task reduced the train horn detection accuracy and increased reaction time. However, the visual distractive task and medium to severe hearing loss were not found to affect train horn detection. This laboratory study is the first to provide a broad understanding of the factors that affect the detectability of Australian train horns by road users. The findings from this study provide important insights into ways to reduce the use and modify the practice to mitigate the negative effects of train horns while maintaining the safety of road users.

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