Driving Simulator Test of Variable Message Sign and Audio Warning Information at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

摘要

Highway-rail grade crossing concerns the safety of railway and roadway transportation, and the high rate of accidents involved in highway-rail grade crossing has drawn much attention from society. This paper chose Variable Message Signs (VMS) and audio message as key factors, aiming to evaluate driver stop-go behaviors at highway-rail grade crossing under four warning levels. The data from the driving-simulator-based experiment were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Results indicated that VMS and audio information can enhance drivers' alertness so that they decelerate gently ahead of time to improve the stop rate. As VMS cannot present the warning of danger individually and optimally, the collaboration of audio warning and visual information on the road can increase the stopping ratio up to 100%, resulting in a satisfying precaution effect.