Why Do Light Rail Accidents Occur?

The Transportation Research Board published a study entitled, Light Rail Service: Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety which focuses on higher-speed (> 35 mph) light-rail crossings. According to this study, the most common safety-related problems identified in this research are as follows:

• Motorists drive around lowered automatic gates.
• LRV operators are unable to confirm that flashing light signals and automatic gates are functioning as intended because of sight distance limitations and lack of advance indicator signals.
• Crossing users become confused about fast-moving LRVs and slower moving railroad trains.
• Motorists disregard regulatory signs at LRT crossings.
• Crossing users and LRV operators are unable to see each other at the crossing because of sight distance restrictions.
• Motor vehicles often queue back from a nearby signalized intersection, blocking the LRT tracks.
• Motorists are confused when both flashing  light signals and traffic signal indications are used at the same location.
• Motorists hesitate to drive off the tracks during the track clearance traffic signal interval.
• Motorists become confused about gates starting to go up and then lowering shortly thereafter because of a second LRV coming from the opposite direction.
• Automatic gates descend behind stopped motorists or do not effectively block turning traffic (especially at skewed angle crossings).
• Automatic gates at oblique crossings are installed 90 degrees to the roadway, which creates an inviting area for motorists to drive around the gate arm and/or stop between the gate arm and LRT tracks.
• Pedestrian crossings have limited warning devices because they are far removed from the adjacent motorist crossing as a result of the skewed angle of the motorist crossing.
• Pedestrians dart across LRT tracks without looking both ways (especially for a second, LRV approaching the crossing from the opposite direction).
• Pedestrians ignore warning signs.
• Pedestrians trespass along the LRT right-of-way.
• Pedestrians do not cross the trackway at designated locations.
• LRT agencies lack guidance (warrants) about when to install pedestrian warning devices.

Much of this study is devoted to improving light rail transit safety through improved signal and traffic systems crossings. Is it a wonder that many consultants find this to be a source of lucrative and steady employment? Monorail, being grade-separated, cannot come into contact with pedestrians, bicycles, or motor vehicles; therefore, no consultants need to be paid to study ways to avoid collisions.