Are train horns improving road safety? Road users’ perspective
Article
Article Title | Are train horns improving road safety? Road users’ perspective |
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ERA Journal ID | 3668 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Larue, Grégoire S., Villoresi, Danielle, Nandavar, Sonali, Kidcaff, Andrew and Watling, Christopher N. |
Journal Title | Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics |
Number of Pages | 12 |
Year | 2024 |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0014-0139 |
1366-5847 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2024.2333965 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00140139.2024.2333965 |
Abstract | Train horns are used as a control at railway level crossing for safety. Despite their wide use, limited information exists on their actual safety benefits. This study used focus groups with road users to understand their perceptions of the usefulness of train horns. This study showed that the message heard by road users is very simple and contrasts with the amount of information train drivers want to convey. The perceived benefits of the train horn were: (i) an additional layer of protection at active crossings; (ii) an important safety feature at rural/passive crossings; (iii) an increased safety benefit for vulnerable road users; and (iv) a greater safety benefit at night. The disadvantages of the use of train horns were perceived as outweighed by the safety benefits. This study highlights that reducing train horns, if safe to do so, could face resistance from road users and the rail industry. |
Keywords | Road safety; rail safety; railway level crossings; warning |
Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 520406. Sensory processes, perception and performance |
520402. Decision making | |
520203. Cognitive neuroscience | |
Byline Affiliations | University of the Sunshine Coast |
Queensland University of Technology | |
School of Psychology and Wellbeing | |
Centre for Health Research |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z7y7x/are-train-horns-improving-road-safety-road-users-perspective
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Larue etal 2024 Are train horns improving road safety.pdf | ||
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | ||
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