COLLISIONS AT LEVEL CROSSINGS BETWEEN HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS

Over 100 collisions between road vehicles and trains occur every year, the number of deaths in 1974 being 31. Of the 60 accidents resulting in injury in 1974, 20 were due to inadequate sight distances, 20 to limited observation or reaction capacity, and 13 to other causes such as drinking etc. Most accidents occur at crossings provided with light and sound signals and at those where mandatory stop signs are installed on the road. In spite of this, far more money is spent on safety measures at crossings with barriers or only warning signs. /TRRL/