Train Accidents at Level Crossings in Indonesia – A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Accidents involving passenger trains in Indonesia are still prevalent. Accidents at level crossings, in particular, have not been declining. In 2013, for example, a major accident at a level crossing occurred that resulted in a number of fatalities and significant financial implications. The impacts of such accidents ranged from property damage to fatalities. This study aimed at understanding the statistics of accidents at railway level crossings in Indonesia. This was achieved by conducting a survey to a couple of government institutions responsible for managing the railway transportation. Furthermore, this study will describe factors related to the accidents by employing Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). A total of 81 cases out of 134 accidents (between 2006 and 2011) were studied and classified. Results of this study indicated that the majority (97%) of the accidents were caused by “outside factors”, particularly vehicles trying to pass the crossings while the barriers and warnings have been activated. A small percentage of these accidents dealt with operators or technical aspects of the warning/barrier system. Existing road safety regulations specifically indicated, in a large number of cases, that the company operating the railway train might not be responsible for the accidents. Nevertheless, this company (and relevant ministries) could offer a more proactive approach in minimizing the accidents. This includes understanding driver behaviors at level crossings and designing a more effective warning/barrier system.

Keywords: Train Accidents, Level Crossings, Human Factors Analysis and Classification System.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100749