DSRC-Enabled Train Safety Communication System at Unmanned Crossings

Although wireless technology is available for safety-critical applications, few applications have been used to improve train crossing safety. To prevent potential collisions between trains and vehicles, we present a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC)-enabled safety communication system targeting passive crossings. Since our application’s purpose preventing method calculate the minimum required warning time head-to-head collision. We therefore define best worst-case scenarios provide empirical data collected at six operating crossings in U.S. with numerous configurations, including modulation scheme, transmission power, antenna type, speed, vehicle braking distances. From measurements, find that application coverage range independent of omnidirectional high power configuration system, communications latency less than 1 ms on average around 5 m worst case. use radio introduce safeness level metric evaluate suitability DSRC collision avoidance. measured data, observe DSRC-enabled feasible up 35 mph speeds which providing more 25–30 s avoid 25–65 speeds. Higher are expected be safe, but additional over extended distances needed definite conclusion.