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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Guidelines for Enhancement of Visual Conspicuity of Trains at Grade Crossings

Document Series
Technical Reports
Author
John B. Hopkins and A.T. Newfell
Report Number
FRA-OR&D-75-71
Office
RRD
Subject Grade Crossing and Trespass Outreach/Education, Grade Crossings
Document

This report summarizes a comprehensive study of potential means of reducing the probability of train-motor vehicle collisions at railroad-highway grade crossings through enhancement of the visual conspicuity of locomotives. Passive techniques are reviewed, and requirements and constraints upon active systems are described. Past research is reviewed, followed by derivation of functional specifications and discussion of practical operating considerations. Operational tests of devices deemed most appropriate to the application are described, with detailed recommendations. The preferred system consists of clear ("white") xenon flash-tube beacons mounted on opposite sides of the locomotive cab roof, flashed alternately, used in conjunction with amber incandescent lamps outlining the locomotive.


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Last updated: Thursday, May 1, 1975