Level crossings can be dangerous for all road users but they can be a particular challenge to heavy vehicles who need a greater amount of time to be able to stop safely once that a hazard or obstruction is detected.
Queensland, with its ongoing dedication to improving road safety for all road users, will be testing a new technology that has been developed by the La Trobe University’s Centre for Technology Infusion in Melbourne.
This technology enables drivers to be aware of approaching trains as they are getting close to level crossings. The experts at http://www.fullyloaded.com.au had this to say regarding this technology:
Queensland’s level-crossing safety effort will gain a commercial vehicle dimension with the testing of Victorian in-cab warning technology.
The move is part of a $2 million Queensland Government effort to tackle the danger when transport modes cross paths.
The technology, developed by La Trobe University’s Centre for Technology Infusion and which enables trains to ‘talk’ to road vehicles, the university says.
It is based on “GPS and on ‘Dedicated Short-Range Communication’ technology that meets global vehicular communication standards”, it adds.
“The system will extend driver ‘vision’ up to one kilometre in all directions, enabling road vehicles to receive warning of approaching trains.
“The warnings comprise six-levels of in-vehicle audio-visual alerts that escalate in urgency and volume as trains approach.”
Centre Director Professor Jack Singh says the technology underwent a limited six-week trial in Melbourne last year, with eight trains involved.
By contrast, the Queensland Government’s trial will involve a larger number of trains, along with heavy and commercial vehicles, over six months.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson announced an extra $1 million towards level-crossing safety last week.
Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/articleid/83334.aspx
Level crossings can be a recipe for disaster and there are a number of crossings that are well documented in Australia as dangerous and that need to be approached with care.
They may have poor visibility or even no gates that descend when a train is approaching and this means that a moments lack in concentration may cause an accident that has consequences for the people on the train as well as the vehicle at the crossing.
Peter Cutforth is a Director at Urban E-Learning, a global elearning and web strategy firm based in George St Brisbane. Peter's interests extend to training, safety and compliance, online marketing, and Mobile Apps.
