Report
Human Factors guidance to support innovative level crossing safety solutions: Final report September 2025
University of the Sunshine Coast
2025
Abstract
Level crossings, where road and rail intersect, pose significant safety risks to train drivers, road users, pedestrians, and cyclists (Edquist et al., 2009; Read et al., 2021). From 2014 to 2022, 322 collisions at Australian level crossings resulted in 39 fatalities and 49 serious injuries (National Level Crossing Safety Committee, 2023; Read et al., 2021). Beyond the significant human and social costs, collisions at level crossings impose a considerable economic burden, with the annual financial cost estimated to exceed AUD $116 million in 2010 (Tooth & Balmford, 2010).
Human Factors issues play a critical role in level crossing collisions (Beanland et al., 2018; Salmon, Read, et al., 2013). Collisions can occur because road users misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching train, rely on past experience to anticipate train movements, or fail to perceive warnings or even trains due to low expectancy (Caird, 2002; Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, 2024; Salmon, Lenné, et al., 2013; Salmon, 2013; Young, 2015). Studies show that both active crossings (e.g., boom gates, flashing lights) and passive crossings (e.g., stop signs, no warning systems) present risks, with user behaviour shaped by the physical and informational environment (Lenné et al., 2011; Read et al., 2021). Despite substantial research, Human Factors knowledge has not been systematically integrated into level crossing design and evaluation, particularly in rural and regional areas where passive controls dominate (Bearman, 2013).
Given the costs associated with installing traditional active controls, there is growing interest in innovative, low-cost safety solutions (Silla, 2019; Wullems, 2011). However, developers, engineers, and project managers often lack practical guidance on applying Human Factors principles during the design, implementation, and operation of these solutions. This gap can reduce the effectiveness of interventions. This project addresses the gap through the development of a publicly accessible, evidence-based toolkit to help embed Human Factors principles into the design, implementation, and operation of innovative level crossing safety solutions.
Details
- Title
- Human Factors guidance to support innovative level crossing safety solutions: Final report September 2025
- Authors
- Zohre Abedi - University of the Sunshine CoastJolene A Cox - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems SciencePaul Salmon - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems ScienceGemma Read - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
- Publication details
- 37 pages
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2025
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991203781402621
- Output Type
- Report
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