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Safety First!
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, there are
over 5,000 train vs. car crashes each year, most
of which occur at railroad crossings.
About 600 deaths and approximately 2,300 are injured each year.
Almost half of
all crashes at railroad crossings
happen at crossings that don't have automatic
gates and flashing lights.
happen at crossings that don't have automatic
gates and flashing lights.
Freight trains do not travel on a regular schedule.
Passenger trains change schedules several times
a year, and they can often run early or late.
Be cautious at a grade crossing at any time of the day or night.
Watch out for the second train.
When you are at a multiple track crossing and the
last car of the train passes the crossing, do not proceed until
you are sure that no other train is coming on another track,
especially from the opposite direction.
A good habit is to count at least 5 seconds before proceeding.
Never try to beat a train.
The stopping distance for a freight train of
approximately 6,000 tons, traveling at 55 mph, is about one mile.
Your life is far more important than getting to your destination
on time.
As You Approach The Crossing:
From a distance trains appear to be moving much slower than
they actually are.
Never ignore flashing lights or closing gates.
Never drive around a lowered gate or go past the flashing red
lights.
Slow down and look in both directions.
Be certain you don't see a train.
Don't always assume the gates and flashing lights will be working.
Many crossings don't have gates, only flashing lights.
And some tracks only have signs.
Roll down your window, turn down your radio, be sure you can
hear warning whistles.
As You Begin To Cross:
Never enter a crossing unless you have enough space to fully clear
the tracks on the other side.
If you drive a vehicle with manual transmission, never shift gears while
on the tracks.
If the gate happens to come down after you have started across,
drive through it even if it means breaking the gate.
If You Get Stuck On The Tracks:
If you get stuck on the tracks, get out of your vehicle and
quickly move away from the tracks in the direction
of the approaching train.
Immediately call 911 about your stalled vehicle.
Provide the exact location of the crossing, using the DOT/AAR
crossing number, which may be posted on the crossbuck post
or signal pole, box, or bungalow, and the name of the road or
highway which crosses the tracks.
