NTL Record

Title Field Evaluation of Locomotive Conspicuity Lights
Record ID 49655
Personal Name
Creator
Devoe, Donald B.; Abernethy, C. N.
Source 66p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 19750501
Language English
Abstract Flashing xenon strobe lamps were installed on locomotives in revenue service as a means of alerting motorists to the hazards they are approaching at a rail-highway grade crossing. Effectiveness of these lights in attracting motorists' attention was evaluated. The reactions of both motorists and locomotive crews to the use of strobe lights were also evaluated. Field observations, interviews, and experiments confirmed the attention-getting value of locomotive-mounted strobe lights used in revenue service to alert motorists and suggested operational procedures and device specifications that are the subject of a separate application guideline report. Experimentation and observation of the strobe lights under railroad operating conditions verified that these lights do not interfere with perception of trackside signals or with normal motorist and crew operations. The work reported in this document supports a technical recommendation favoring use of strobe lights on more extensive research tests in railroad operational service.
Rosap ID dot:11089
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11089
TRT Terms Navigation lights; Railroad grade crossings; Safety; Visibility; Visual perception
Classification NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number FRA-OR&D-75-54; DOT-TSC-FRA-74-11
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/49000/49600/49655/DOT-TSC-FRA-74-11.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository