A Look at the Basics of Railroad Crossing Safety

While highway safety systems get a great deal of publicity, railroad crossing safety is a vital yet often overlooked part of accident prevention.  The lack of attention paid to the issue is tragic, as statistics reveal these sobering facts:

• Each year, over 2,000 collisions occur between motor vehicles and trains in the US.
• Those accidents are the cause of more than 200 deaths and 400 injuries each year.
• According to a study by the DOT, 94% of those incidents were caused by driver inattentiveness or disregard for safety.
• Almost 50% of vehicle-train collisions occur at crossings where warning devices such as lights and/or warning gates are in place.
• A train-related wreck is 20 times more likely to result in death than a collision with another motor vehicle.

The reasons why train wrecks so often lead to death come down to physics.  Simply put, the larger and heavier a moving object is, the more damage it will inflict on whatever it hits.  The typical train weighs in excess of 3,000 tons and can be more than a mile in length.  Stopping such a massive vehicle requires a length longer than 18 football fields lined up one after the other.  Even if the engineer sees someone on the tracks ahead, he or she won’t have time to stop before striking the person.  

Facts like these become more real to the average person when the national media reports on a tragic wreck.  One such incident occurred on November 16, 2012, when four persons were killed and 17 others injured in a collision that involved a parade float and a train in Midland, Texas.  The truck pulling the float was unable to pull forward due to vehicles in front of it, trapping it directly on the crossing.  The float was intended to honor military veterans, and in fact, several ex-servicemen and women were among those killed or seriously hurt.

Given the lethal potential of train collisions and the high number of incidents that occur each year, what can be done to safeguard the public?  Installing impassible barriers at crossing sites is simply not practical.  More than 200,000 miles of railroad tracks crisscross the United States, and the rails intersect with public roads at tens of thousands of locations.  If officials are to prevent these accidents, then the key to achieving this goal is public education.

The following is a list of safety fundamentals that should be rigorously taught to drivers.

• First, understand the message that railroad crossing safety signs are meant to convey.  They’re not intended to simply say “stop” or “slow down before you cross.”  Rather, they’re telling drivers to perform three specific actions:

1. Stop completely, and do so at least 15 feet away from the tracks.
2. Look in both directions.
3. Listen for a train.  If you need to, then roll down the windows, turn off the vehicle’s radio and climate control, and stop talking on the cell phone, but be sure that there’s no sound of a whistle or of an approaching locomotive.

• Only after fully completing the above three steps should motorists proceed over the tracks.
• Before starting to drive over the tracks, make sure there’s enough room to cross them completely.  In the Texas incident discussed above, a vehicle ahead of the parade float prevented the driver from moving forward, leading to the tragic outcome.  Don’t get stuck behind vehicles that are on the other side of the crossing.
• Be especially cautious when faced with double tracks.  Many people only pay attention to the first set, starting over the grade when it’s clear.  All too often, they fail to notice the train coming right at them on the second set of rails.  So exercise a higher degree of awareness when facing a dual-track crossing.
• Don’t pass other vehicles when approaching a crossing.  The car or truck in front may be blocking a clear view of an approaching train.  Also, the speed used in passing may prevent the driver from stopping before reaching the tracks.
• To ensure rail transit pedestrian safety, never walk on or near railroad tracks.  Some people think that railway corridors are public property, and use them as their own private hiking trail.  Others walk their dogs or jog alongside the tracks.  This is especially dangerous because such activities distract people from what’s going on around them.  These persons also tend to forget that trains are three feet wider on each side than the tracks they’re on.  Remember that these routes are owned by private companies, and respect them accordingly.
• Never, ever try to “beat” a train.  Approaching locomotives create an illusion that fools drivers into thinking that the engine is further away than it actually is.  Foolishly trying to outrun a 3,000-ton vehicle is simply that – foolish.
• Don’t fall for the misconception that trains always run at scheduled times.  Some people think it’s safe to cross the local grade because “trains never come by at this time of day anyway.”  In reality, railway companies frequently get behind their schedule or run ahead of it in order to complete deliveries in less time.  The lesson for motorists is to always assume a train is coming.
• If a crossing gate in front of your vehicle lowers while you’re crossing the tracks, then drive straight through it.  Don’t hesitate.  Doing so could cost you your life, if indeed a train is approaching.
• Never drive around lowered gates when approaching a crossing.  If the gate appears to be malfunctioning, and if there’s no sign of an approaching train, then look for a number posted at or near the crossing.  This is an emergency line for the freight company.  Call them at the earliest possible moment to alert them to the problem.

Despite the best of railroad crossing safety, sometimes train wrecks occur anyway.  This is often due to the vehicle breaking down while crossing the grade.  This happens more often than most people think.  Driving over tracks can cause tires to stick, scrape the bottom of the powertrain, or cause other damage that disables a car or truck.  When this occurs, those in the vehicle should do the following:

1. Get out of the car or truck immediately.  Don’t try to grab things from the trunk, rooftop, or back seat.  Get at least 50 feet from the tracks.
2.  Look and listen carefully for signs of an approaching train.  If there’s no sign of one, then look for the freight company’s emergency number at or near the crossing.  Call them as soon as possible to alert them to the stalled vehicle.  DO NOT go back to the car or truck, either to retrieve items or to attempt to fix the problem.  In the moments you’re doing so, a train could show up.
3. If a train is approaching when the vehicle stalls, then everyone must exit it immediately.  The driver and passengers should then run TOWARDS, not away from, the train, taking care to stay as far away from the tracks as possible while doing so.  Many people mistakenly believe that running from the train is the best course of action, but in reality this will expose them to debris flying off the tracks after the collision occurs.

As mentioned earlier, public education is the key to preventing train-related accidents.  Officials should strongly emphasize railroad crossing safety, both for new drivers seeking their licenses as well for as seasoned motorists.  As with so many things in life, knowledge makes all the difference when being around trains.


Reposted from www.impactrecovery.com

2009 MUTCD Regulations for Private Parking Lot Safety

Originally posted here.

 The federal government has a compelling interest in keeping all drivers safe.  These interests are outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  The 2009 MUTCD outlines standards for devices like signs, flexible delineators, markings and other traffic elements.  These standards apply to many areas of both public and private roadways; however, there are some gray areas where language in the manual is not so clear.

Does the 2009 MUTCD Apply to Private Parking Lots?

Private lots are often used for public purposes.  A business may be privately owned and be erected on private property, making parking amenities also privately owned.  Places such as malls, shopping centers, movie theaters, and similar establishments all have private parking lots.  These entities have the right to determine who can be in their lot and who cannot.  Some of these lots are vast and even connect public roadways.  Drivers may even feel that they are still on a publicly-maintained roadway because of the uniform application of signage and street markings.

While all of this might lead you to believe the MUTCD should govern these areas, in order to enhance parking lot safety, the language is not so clear.  The 2009 MUTCD as interpreted by the Federal Highway Administration states that private lots are not subject to standards outlined in the manual.  This means that signage, markings, delineators, and other traffic control devices do not have to legally conform to 2009 MUTCD standards.  These changes were adopted in December of 2009 and they also apply to public parking lots and structures. However, Intro P3 C of the MUTCD states, “Parking areas, including the driving aisles within those parking areas, that are either publicly or privately owned shall not be considered to be ‘open to public travel’ for purposes of MUTCD applicability.”

If the 2009 MUTCD requirements did apply to private parking lots and structures, certain regulations would have to be followed.  For example, delineators are commonly used as guidance devices more than as warning devices.  Any time there is a change in horizontal alignment on a roadway, a delineator must be used.  This would apply to private parking lots and garages as well if the 2009 manual so warranted.  Dimensions and application of retroreflective elements on delineators would also apply.  

The extensive standards for traffic control devices in regards to parking lot safety do not currently apply to privately owned and operated parking areas according to the 2009 MUTCD.  However, in the future, feasible standards may be developed that allow for consistent regulation of private parking lots.

When to Use Tubular Markers

Tubular markers are similar to hazard marker signs in that they are meant to mark off a specific area.  These road safety devices warn motorists of conditions created by work activities, to guide road users, or to warn of some other road obstruction.  Markers and delineators should be used in conjunction with safety signs so that motorists know just what to expect ahead.

Tubular markers are different from hazard markers in that they are narrow and can fit on a street or highway space that does not have enough room for a large sign.  Tubular markers are commonly used to divide opposing lanes of traffic, channel traffic in the right direction, mark the edge of the road in case of a drop-off, and to mark urban turn restrictions.

Tubular markers can also be used in a parking lot, together with parking lot safety signs.  Safety signs such as handicapped parking space signs, stop signs and pedestrian crossing signs are important and useful.  Markers help to make a parking lot safe by indicating where a median is, or some other area that cars cannot drive through.  As markers are made using bright colors with retro-reflective material, they are clearly visible in the evening and at night.

Impact Recovery Systems carries a wide range of tubular markers that can be used for many purposes.  There are a number of base options to choose from.  The first is a permanent base, which would serve well on highways or in parking lots. Impact Recovery also offers the convenience of quick release bases, which offer the ability to switch out signs quickly without the need for extra tools.  In-ground and snow-plowable bases are also available.   The road type and height of the marker will determine which type of base is the most appropriate.  The markers themselves come in seven different color options, with five different reflector/sheeting options.  The markers are also made in various heights and can be custom-made if desired.

Road markers are important, as they help to direct traffic and divert it from danger.  These markers should be well made, using high quality materials that will stand the test of time.  They can be used to divide traffic, divert it, or mark off an area that vehicles should not drive through.  Tubular markers, available in various sizes, color, and heights, are sure to provide the protection needed so that motorists can drive through an area without incident.

The History of Highway Safety Equipment

Roads have been providing humans with access to far off locations for thousands of years.  Highway safety equipment, however, has only come into widespread use within the last century, as motor vehicles became the primary means of transport.

Signage is the primary equipment that transportation officials use to enhance road safety.  In the first years of the 20th century, signs varied widely in size, shape, and construction.  Often, they were maintained by separate public or private entities, which could not agree with each other on a common pattern for roadside notices.  The first real steps towards standardization began in the United States in the early 1920's, when federal authorities published the first consistent guidelines for highways signage.  Among other things, they established the familiar shapes we see today, such as round markers as railroad crossings and square ones for hazardous condition notices.


In 1935, the first edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) was published.  It set nationwide standards for all types of highway markers.  It has been updated many times since, with the most recent revision being released in 2009.

Not just the shape, but also the makeup of road signs and highway safety equipment, has evolved over time.  Since the end of World War II, signs made of aluminum and marked with retro-reflective materials have become the norm.  As the nation entered the 1970's, electronic road signs became common.  Today, they’re used to alert drivers to special conditions such as construction sites, congested areas, and scenes of accidents or deteriorated road conditions.  For example, in mountainous areas, they warn approaching vehicles of rock slides.

State-by-state highway safety initiatives have been in use since 1966, when Congress required their existence as a condition for receiving federal highway funding.  In the 21st century, traffic planners continue to look for ways to make road travel safer for all.

Parking Lot Pedestrian Safety during Large Events

Parking lot pedestrian safety is always a priority for traffic workers, but it takes on a special urgency during major events.  During such times, the likelihood of accidents is greatly enhanced due to crowded conditions, larger numbers of motorized vehicles, and (in some cases) the heightened presence of alcohol and even illicit drugs.

Adding to the risks inherent in any large gathering is the fact that many law enforcement agencies are relatively inexperienced when it comes to crowd control.  This is especially true in rural areas, where low population densities are the norm except for a few days or weeks out of the year.  For example, a farming community in the American heartland may get by just fine most of the time with a police force consisting of five or six officers.  During the annual 4th of July fireworks display or county fair, however, these resources can be severely taxed, forcing local officials to rely on volunteers with limited training and narrow skill sets.

Another complicating factor is the fact that, during major events, crowd sizes may force locals to use areas for parking that were never intended for that purpose, such as open, grassy areas or even the yards of private homes.  Confusion over who has authority in such situations can lead to confrontations between officials and irate citizens and other potentially dangerous situations.

Solutions to Parking Lot Safety Issues

The key to avoiding these kinds of problems is foresight.  Almost all major events are known about well beforehand, giving officials ample time to prepare for them.  Such preparation should always include the following steps:

1. Determining approximate crowd sizes.  This can be based on a variety of metrics, such as population density, the number of attendees at past events, or even such data as ticket sales or public surveys.  Of course, a safety margin must be built into these estimates.  A good rule of thumb is to allow for a 20% margin of error.  For example, if a concert is expected to draw 10,000 people, preparations should be made to handle a crowd of 12,000.
    
2. Officials should confer with property owners to ensure that they are aware of how many vehicles can be parked in an area of a given size.  Supervisors of these areas should receive basic instruction in fire safety, crowd control, and how to respond to angry or irate persons.  They should also know how and when to contact emergency responders.
    
3. Points of entry for vehicles as well as pedestrian crossing zones should be amply and conspicuously marked, using parking lot signage, access barriers, and other crowd control devices that comply with MUTCD regulations.  If a community doesn’t possess such resources, then appeals should be made to neighboring towns and cities, or to state of federal agencies, to borrow them until the event is over.
    
4. Law enforcement officers and other official personnel should be highly visible, both in parking lots as well as established zones throughout the event.  If budgetary restraints limit the number of trained emergency responders available, then volunteers may be used, but only after appropriate screening and training measures.
    
5. Alcohol is almost always a key factor in public altercations.  However, its sale and/or possession may be necessary for the commercial success of the event.  At the very least, its consumption should be limited to clearly marked areas, and never be permitted in parking lots.
    
6. One way to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the event is to print up flyers advising attendees of where law enforcement officers, medical workers, and other emergency personnel stations are set up.  These pamphlets may also include some basic safety tips, such as being on the lookout for pickpockets and not displaying valuables or large amounts of cash.  They can be given to pedestrians as they exit the parking areas on their way to the event.
    
7. Some large events are likely to inflame passions and draw protests.  Examples include political gatherings and performances by controversial artists or musicians.  During such times, law enforcement officers, private security guards, and on-hand volunteers must be alert for signs of trouble and able to summon reinforcements on a moment’s notice.

Parking lot pedestrian safety is an important part of ensuring public welfare during large events.  With foresight and adherence to best practices, most accidents and other negative events can be prevented, enhancing everyone’s enjoyment of the proceedings.

Traffic Separator Curbing is Tricky but Manageable

Traffic separator curbing is used to channelize travel lanes.  Normally constructed of tubular markers and high-density plastic curbs, it’s often used in temporary locations such as around construction sites.  As it must withstand the rigors of use around congested areas, it should meet the following criteria:

1. It should be able to absorb impacts from vehicles undamaged.  It should stay in its base even if struck multiple times.  It should also be unaffected by wide temperature ranges.
2. It should be continuous and bolted tightly to the underlying pavement.  Tubes must be bolted or pinned to the curb.  Curbing must be able to stay upright throughout the day and be unaffected by high winds and other weather phenomena.
3. Posts should be of standardized heights for the sake of both visibility and uniformity.  Commonly accepted heights are 36”, 42”, and 48”.
4. Delineator posts should be a minimum of three inches in diameter where it faces approaching traffic and at least two inches in diameters in all other directions.
5. Posts should have at least two reflective bands 3” wide or wider.  The higher band should be within two inches of the top of the structure.

The manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) lists seven principles for the use of all temporary traffic control (TTC) measures, including separator curbing:

1. The same principles that govern the creation of permanent road markers should be employed in designing TTCs.
2. TTCs should interfere with road worker’s movement as little as possible.
3. TTCs should give approaching motorist, bicyclists, and foot traffic adequate advance warning of changing traffic conditions.
4. TTC components should be regularly inspected during both day and night.
5. TTC placement should allow for vehicles to pull off the road surface in cases of accidents and/or mechanical trouble.
6. Those who work around TTC structures should be trained in their use.
7. The needs of motorists, nearby property owners, emergency responders, and the community at large should be addressed when planning the use of TTCs.

By following these guidelines, traffic separator curbing and other TTC measures can be an enhancement to public safety, not a hindrance.

Railroad Crossing Safety: Whistle Bans

Any doubt that train whistles enhance railroad crossing safety was removed in the early 1990s, when the Federal Railway Administration (FRA) issued an emergency ruling that trains passing through Florida must blow their whistles when nearing public crossings.  Known as Emergency Order 15, it overrode laws then in existence in seven counties and 12 cities in the Sunshine State, which prohibited train whistles after dark.  After it was implemented, the nighttime accident rate was reduced by 68%, in line with what it had been prior to the implementation of the bans.

Despite this fact, Emergency Order 15 wasn’t without its critics, such as groups that seek to reduce noise pollution.  In response to the controversy, the FRA conducted a nationwide study to gauge the role that whistles play in accident prevention.  The results showed that the signals lower railroad crossing accidents by 84% nationwide.  It was clear that train whistles play a vital role in enhancing railroad crossing safety.

To resolve the dispute, the FRA currently mandates the use of train whistles 24 hours a day at public crossing spots.  However, the ruling also allows communities to ban the use of the whistles, provided that certain supplementary safety measures (SSMs) are put in place.

Getting approval for these bans involves a long and complex procedure. The steps to achieving it include:

1. Identifying the specific areas that are to be designated as whistle-free.
2. Determining whether any of those areas can be automatically granted approval, under grandfathering provisions established by the FRA.
3. Ensuring that each public crossing in the area includes the SSMs required by the FRA.
4. Establishing that the SSMs in place sufficiently compensate for the loss of safety incurred by banning train whistles.
5. If any private roads cross the railroad corridors, additional studies must be conducted.  If the team that performs the study recommends SSMs at the crossings, then those must be put in place before the application for a local train whistle ban can proceed to the next step.

Full information on Emergency Order 15 and the actions that followed can be found online here.