ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Phase 1 of the research programme, which involved a series of data collection activities aimed at understanding how road users interact with existing rail level crossing systems. Road user behaviour was investigated via on-road studies, observations, interviews and surveys. Train driver experiences were explored during cab rides through urban and rural areas. A typical on-road instrumented vehicle study involves having participants drive a pre-specified route in a vehicle that is fitted with equipment that records vehicle parameters as well as video footage of the road environment and the driver's behaviour. Critical Decision Method (CDM) has been used to describe and assess naturalistic decision-making across varied domains, including aviation, military operations and health care. The CDM interviews provided a wealth of data, which enabled exploration of differences in decision-making as a function of driver experience, driving environment, rail level crossing infrastructure and train presence.
