Railinfrabeheer wanted to know whether the conspicuity of a railway crossing changes when 1) the flashing frequency of the red alternating flashing LED warning lights is raised from 45 to 60 times per minute, and 2) reflectors and reflecting line markers are applied in the road surface and on the side lining on both sides of the crossing. The visual conspicuity of activated LED warning lights was measured during daylight and tin the darkness, for flashing frequencies of respectively 45 and 60 times per minute. The conspicuity of reflectors in the road surface and on the side lining on both sides of a crossing was measured from a moving car carrying low beam headlights. The results show that the conspicuity of the red flashing LED warning lights near railway crossings increases slightly when the flashing frequency is raised from 45 to 60 times per minute. Reflectors increase the conspicuity of a railway crossing if they are directed towards the driver and if they are closely spaced. Reflecting line markers are not much better visible than normal line markers. It is concluded that the conspicuity of the red flashing LED warning lights is larger for a flashing frequency of 60 times per minute. It is in principle feasible to increase the conspicuity of a railway crossing by applying reflectors on the road striping. The conspicuity of a railway crossing can be increased by deploying reflectors on the road surface. Reflecting line markers do not contribute to the conspicuity of a railway crossing. (A)
Abstract