Study Supports Rail Reflectors

Warning reflectors on railroad cars would make it easier for motorists and truckers to detect trains at highway-rail grade crossings, a study concludes.

Installing and maintaining red and white reflective devices would cost $219 for each rail car during the estimated 10-year life span of the material, the study by the Department of Transportation’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center found. With 1.7 million railroad and privately owned cars in operation, that could cost the industry more than $372 million.

A recent federal ruling requires motor carriers to install reflective markers on all trailers to improve their visibility at night.

The study, conducted for the Federal Railroad Administration, was released July 14. Congress ordered the agency in 1994 to review existing laws to determine if requiring reflective tape or other devices on rail cars would reduce accidents and injuries.

“One of the most challenging problems facing the railroad industry is collisions with vehicles at grade crossings,” FRA Administrator Jolene Molitoris said. “Improving motorists’ recognition of trains at crossings could go a long way toward reducing the number of highway-rail grade-crossing accidents, injuries and fatalities.”

Molitoris said her agency needs to gather additional data and conduct an economic analysis to determine its next steps. A workshop on the study is scheduled for July 28 at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

For the full story, see the July 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.