Low-cost warning devices

A level crossing without a warning device and with deficient conditions on a track with a low traffic volume is a typical site of an accident in Finland. In this case, the bus driver did not notice the approaching work train and drove without stopping into a level crossing that had a STOP sign but was not equipped not with a warning device. Often, a STOP sign will not attract the driver's attention in the same way as an active warning device, especially if the driver has other distractions in the situation.
Low-cost warning devices have been introduced in the railway network, and the experiences related to them have been good. Their installation should nevertheless be accelerated further. Cities and municipalities could also participate in the costs of warning devices with regard to the level crossings in their area.
For these reasons, the Safety Investigation Authority reopens the recommendation issued to the predecessor of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency in the investigation report R2012-S1 with the

It is recommended that the Finnish Transport Safety Agency should enable the introduction of low-cost warning devices and ensure that the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will continue the investigation into the suitability for use of low-cost warning devices and start to introduce them in practice.

Low-cost warning devices could also be used as a temporary solution in level crossings that have been identified as dangerous before they can be removed or equipped with actual warning devices.

A level crossing without a warning device and with deficient conditions on a track with a low traffic volume is a typical site of an accident in Finland. In this case, the bus driver did not notice the approaching work train and drove without stopping into a level crossing that had a STOP sign but was not equipped not with a warning device. Often, a STOP sign will not attract the driver's attention in the same way as an active warning device, especially if the driver has other distractions in the situation.
Low-cost warning devices have been introduced in the railway network, and the experiences related to them have been good. Their installation should nevertheless be accelerated further. Cities and municipalities could also participate in the costs of warning devices with regard to the level crossings in their area.
For these reasons, the Safety Investigation Authority reopens the recommendation issued to the predecessor of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency in the investigation report R2012-S1 with the