Automobile Accidents Related to Railroad Grade Crossings-a Study of the Effects of Topography and a Computer-Graphics Display of Traffic Flow

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Automobile Accidents Related to Railroad Grade Crossings-a Study of the Effects of Topography and a Computer-Graphics Display of Traffic Flow

An existing computer simulation of vehicle dynamics in single vehicle accidents was modified to be more suitable for application to a study of the dynamics of automobiles traversing representative railroads grade crossing topographies. Detailed profiles of actual grade crossing, as measured within the research program, are used as inputs to the modified computer program. Seveal vehicle speeds are simulated on each crossing to determine the effects of traveling speeds on vehicle responses. Topographic data for representative railroad grade crossings are presented in detail. The data were collected for two purposes, which are reflected in the extent of included detail: (1) to make an inventory of the gross topography of approximately 100 rural railroad grade crossings in Western New York, and (2) to provide detailed topographical data on several railroad crossings selected for computer simulation studied. A computer-graphics display program is described in detail. The display includes a number of highway vehicles and a railroad train in the vicinity of a railroad grade crossing. Sample outputs of the display program are presented. (Author)