Application of a novel design approach to improve safety at rail level crossings

Gemma J M Read

Accidents at rail level crossings (RLXs) are a significant public safety concern with an average of 37 deaths resulting from RLX collisions each year (Australian Transport Council, 2010). Historically, RLX design has been influenced by engineering considerations rather than an understanding of RLX performance from a systems thinking perspective. In line with modern safety science, it was proposed that an approach based on systems theory could improve RLX design. The aim of this research was to apply a novel design approach, based on sociotechnical systems theory (STS), to create innovative designs for RLXs. Research questions included whether the design approach could be considered useful, based on pre-determined methodological evaluation criteria, and whether STS is an appropriate approach for design in a public safety context. Accidents at rail level crossings (RLXs) are a significant public safety concern with an average of 37 deaths resulting from RLX collisions each year (Australian Transport Council, 2010). Historically, RLX design has been influenced by engineering considerations rather than an understanding of RLX performance from a systems thinking perspective. In line with modern safety science, it was proposed that an approach based on systems theory could improve RLX design. The aim of this research was to apply a novel design approach, based on sociotechnical systems theory (STS), to create innovative designs for RLXs. Research questions included whether the design approach could be considered useful, based on pre-determined methodological evaluation criteria, and whether STS is an appropriate approach for design in a public safety context. In the study, 20 participants took part in two design workshops. Participants represented RLX stakeholder organisations (i.e. government departments, regulators, road authorities, road user peak bodies, investigators) or were interested persons with a professional interest in the research (i.e. researchers, designers). The workshop incorporated exercises to promote creativity, a systems thinking perspective and a human-centred perspective to design. Three innovative design concepts were generated. At the conclusion of the workshops, participants evaluated the design process against the methodological criteria. Further, the three design concepts were assessed by human factors experts to determine their alignment with STS and their overall effectiveness for improving safety. Overall, participants indicated that the design approach was useful and that STS is appropriate for public safety contexts. Further, the experts indicated that the new designs would be more effective than existing RLX designs. However, their ratings suggested that the design concepts did not fully align with STS. Implications of the findings for public safety design will be discussed.

Application of a novel design approach to improve safety at rail level crossings

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