Evaluating design hypotheses for rail level crossings: An observational study of pedestrian and cyclist behavior

Gemma J M Read; Paul M Salmon; M Lenne; Elizabeth Grey

Back

Evaluating design hypotheses for rail level crossings: An observational study of pedestrian and cyclist behavior

Conference paper

Open access

Peer reviewed

Evaluating design hypotheses for rail level crossings: An observational study of pedestrian and cyclist behavior

Gemma J M Read, Paul M Salmon, M Lenne and Elizabeth Grey

Advances in Human Aspects of Transportation Part 1, pp.512-526

Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE) International Conference, 5th (Krakow, Poland, 19-Jul-2014–23-Jul-2014)

AHFE Conference

2014

Files and links (2)

pdf

PDF - Published Version579.18 kBDownload View

Published VersionPDF - Published Version Open Access

url

http://ahfe.orgView

Webpage

Abstract

Psychology

Design Practice and Management

Transportation and Freight Services

rail crossings

pedestrian safety

affordances

design evaluation

behavioural observation

Accidents involving pedestrians at rail level crossings are a significant public safety concern in Australia and internationally. The current design of rail crossings incorporates assumptions and hypotheses about how people will interact with the infrastructure at the crossing. The hypotheses associated with the design of pedestrian rail crossings in metropolitan Melbourne were evaluated through the findings of naturalistic observations of users. Comparison of actual behavior as recorded in the observations was compared to the design hypotheses relating to the features at the crossing. While for some the majority of behavior was in line with the hypothesis, it was found that a number of the hypotheses were not always supported. The evaluation uncovered unexpected interactions between users and the infrastructure, as well as implications for rail crossing design. The findings support the need for a systems approach to the analysis and design of rail crossings from a pedestrian and cyclist safety perspective to assist understanding of the system and to inform its re-design.

Details

Title: Evaluating design hypotheses for rail level crossings: An observational study of pedestrian and cyclist behavior
Authors: Gemma J M Read (Author) - Monash University
Paul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
M Lenne (Author) - Monash University
Elizabeth Grey (Author) - Transport Safety Victoria
Contributors: Neville A Stanton (Editor)
Steven J Landry (Editor)
Giuseppe Di Bucchianico (Editor)
Andrea Vallicelli (Editor)
Publication details: Advances in Human Aspects of Transportation Part 1, pp.512-526
Conference details: Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE) International Conference, 5th (Krakow, Poland, 19-Jul-2014–23-Jul-2014)
Publisher: AHFE Conference
Date published: 2014
ISBN: 9781495120978
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448857602621
Output Type: Conference paper

Metrics

111 File views/ downloads

741 Record Views