This study investigates accidents at active level crossings (LCs) in Croatia (A.1.3., by ERA classification) equipped with barriers or half-barriers and warning automatic devices (light and sound signalling). Statistical data were collected to identify the number of yearly broken barriers and half-barriers, causes, consequences, time, location and spatial distribution of accidents. Only collisions with barriers and half-barriers were analysed. Although active LC protection systems effectively prevent accidents due to road user errors, there are many broken barriers or half barriers at the LCs (378 in 2020, 435 in 2019), which indicate risky driving behaviour of LC users. The results of the analysis show a declining trend. Still, as the high number of barriers or half-barriers at the LCs were in most cases broken just before the train was approaching, for which they were lowered, this could have led to severe accidents. Based on this, we can assume that the most significant focus of accident prevention and improving safety at LCs in the future need to be on human behaviour.

safety; level-crossings; risky driving