The road speed limit and use of the STOP sign in level crossings
Implemented
Rail R
Accident
13.2.2012
S1/2011R/S315
Suosituksen perustelu
The previously issued recommendation S216 At a level crossing the maximum speed allowed on the road should be 50 km/h or lower as depending on the locality and the characteristics of the level crossing. should be reformulated. The recommendation is still valid, because most level crossings have a general speed limit of 80 km/h. VTT's study Ajonopeudet vähäliikenteisten teiden tasoristeyksissä (Driving speeds in level crossings of roads with low traffic amounts) (Poutanen 2006) states that when sightline becomes unobstructed at only a short distance from the track, at the closest measurement point 20–60 % of vehicles drove too fast for the vehicle to halt before crossing the track. According to the Road Administration's instructions, the speed limit should be no more than 50 km/h at a level crossing without warning devices, or 60 km/h at a level crossing with warning devices.
Recommendation
Clear instructions should be drawn up regarding road traffic speed limits and use of the STOP sign at level crossings.
Suosituksen tarkennus
In addition to public roads, these instructions should also concern streets and private roads.
Toimenpide-ehdotukset
The previously issued recommendation S216 At a level crossing the maximum speed allowed on the road should be 50 km/h or lower as depending on the locality and the characteristics of the level crossing. should be reformulated. The recommendation is still valid, because most level crossings have a general speed limit of 80 km/h. VTT's study Ajonopeudet vähäliikenteisten teiden tasoristeyksissä (Driving speeds in level crossings of roads with low traffic amounts) (Poutanen 2006) states that when sightline becomes unobstructed at only a short distance from the track, at the closest measurement point 20–60 % of vehicles drove too fast for the vehicle to halt before crossing the track. According to the Road Administration's instructions, the speed limit should be no more than 50 km/h at a level crossing without warning devices, or 60 km/h at a level crossing with warning devices.