MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Effectiveness of Mitigation Methods and Signage in Reducing Railway Trespassing Events
Authors:	Erika Gallegos, Jubaer Ahmed, and Angie Robinson
University:	Colorado State University
Publication Date:	Sep 2024
Report #:	MPC-24-557
Project #:	MPC-681

Abstract

Train-pedestrian conflicts result in a substantial number of serious and fatal injuries annually. Signs indicating safe and permissible behaviors near railroad rights-of-way are commonly relied upon to mitigate collisions. However, the effectiveness of these signs in preventing accidents depends on the clarity and interpretation of the sign. The objective of this study was to evaluate (1) the effectiveness of sign messaging strategies and designs, and (2) the effects of context and risk-taking on crossing decisions. A survey study (N=1,011) was conducted. Findings reveal that action-conveying and emotionally motivated signs are more effective in discouraging railroad crossing in high-risk situations compared with information-only signs. However, decisions to cross are primarily influenced by the presence of a train and the crossing gates’ status, followed by sign type. MaxDiff analysis show that yellow signs with black symbols and square-shaped signs are perceived as the clearest in conveying safety information, compared with black on white, red on white, and circular signs. Individuals who cross railroad tracks as pedestrians more frequently exhibit higher risk-taking tendencies, while there is no relationship between driving across railroad tracks and risk-taking. These results can contribute to a deeper understanding of how different sign designs and messaging can enhance pedestrian safety and decision-making.

How to Cite

Gallegos, Erika, Jubaer Ahmed, and Angie Robinson. Effectiveness of Mitigation Methods and Signage in Reducing Railway Trespassing Events, MPC-24-557. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2024.