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Abstract

Driver inattention to the approach of a train has been implicated as one of the contributors to railroad crossing accidents. As a potential intelligent transportation systems (ITS) countermeasure, auditory and visual in-vehicle train warnings (ITW) were tested using video simulations of approaches to railroad crossings. Thirty-six younger drivers were tested to determine the effects of ITW reliability (83% and 50%) and failure type (False Alarm 1: the train is not present; False Alarm 2: a crossing is not encountered; and Missed Signal: the arrival of a train is not indicated by the ITW) on perception response time (PRT) and system trust. Drivers initiated braking later after False Alarms 1 and 2 occurred and earlier after experiencing Missed Signals. Perceptions of system trust were lessened by decreases in reliability, but did not discriminate between different failure types. These results are elaborated and generalized to ITW design.

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In-Vehicle Train Warnings (ITW): The Effect of Reliability and Failure Type on Driver Perception Response Time and Trust

Abstract

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