Highway-rail grade crossings

For example, according to FRA 2000, a Federal Rail Administration (FRA) report, the period 1993-1999 was the safest in U.S. rail history [1]. More specifically, during this period, train-accident-related fatalities dropped by 87%, rail worker casualties fell by approximately 34%, and highway/rail grade crossing-related fatalities decreased by more than 35% [1]. The rail industry s 50+-billion investment in infrastructure and equipment over the preceding decade is considered to be an important factor in reducing rail accidents. 

Major highways avoid grade crossings by using underpasses and bridges. Some cities have diverted main line rail traffic from the inner cities where dangerous traffic conflicts exist. 

Highway-rail intersection safety systems coordinates train movements with traffic signals at railroad grade crossings and alerts drivers with in-vehicle warning systems of approaching trains... 

Ford, G. and Matthews, A. (2002), Analysis of Australian Grade Crossing Accident Statistics, Paper Presented at the 7th International Symposium on Rail-Road Highway Grade Crossing Research and Safety, Melboirme Monash University. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2005), Railroad Safety U.S. Department of Transportation. 

The most striking difference between the countries is the risk of grade crossing fatalities. The fatality risk per vehicle registered in America and Canada is five times higher than in Britain. Unlike North America, the British system was built with extensive grade separation, which reduces the exposure to highway-rail collisions. 

Interstate Commerce Commission. (1962). Prevention of Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents Involving Railway Trains and Motor Vehicles. Washington D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office. 

The big impetus for these changes has been the Rail>Highway Crossing Program of 1974, commonly referred to as the Section 130 Program. The federal government has spent almost 6 billion, at current prices, to improve grade... 

---