Tips For Rail Crossing Safety

Trains strike a person or vehicle in the United States every two hours on the average, and death or severe injury is almost always the result.  Almost all of these incidents could be prevented by obeying basic rules of rail crossing safety, which include the following:

1. Never assume that trains pass by a crossing only at certain times of day.  Rail freight often ships on irregular schedules, making any time of day “train time.”
2. Slow down when nearing a crossing and look both ways.  Then do so again.
3. Never, ever try to “beat the train” to the crossing spot.  An oncoming train often causes an optical illusion, which makes it appear to be slower and further away than it actually is.
4. Do not cross channelizing devices intended to prevent motorists from crossing lanes and going around gate arms.
5. Never pass another vehicle when your car or truck is within 100 feet of a crossing.
6. Some vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings, such as school buses or trucks loaded with hazardous materials.  Be on the alert for them and be prepared to stop if one is ahead of you.
7. Noise in your vehicle can mask the sound of a train whistle.  Because of this, you should always turn off your radio and climate control when at a crossing.  Also, cell phones should never be used near such spots to ensure rail crossing safety.
8. Flashing lights, cross-bucks  stop signs, closing gates, and train whistles should always be obeyed.  If you see or hear any of these warning signs, stop at the crossing and don’t proceed until the train has passed.
9. Don’t shift gears while driving over railroad tracks.  Downshifting before reaching the crossing is highly recommended.
10. If you do stop for an approaching train, make sure you maintain at least a 15-foot distance from the tracks.  Remember that trains overhang tracks, sometimes by several feet.
11. Avoid using the crossing at all if you think that your vehicle may not have sufficient clearance to clear the tracks without problems.  This is especially important for people crossing tracks while using motorized wheelchairs.
12. Only cross tracks at a designated crossing spot.
13. Never use tracks as a walking path or shortcut.  Children should be taught to never play on or near the tracks.  Fishing from railroad trestles is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.
14. If a crossing gate closes in front of you as you’re crossing the tracks, then go around it if you can.  If you can’t, then drive forward fast enough to break it.  The important thing is to get off the tracks immediately, whether or not you think a train is approaching. 
15. A gate closing in front of a vehicle is most likely a sign of a malfunction.  Get to a phone and call local emergency responders right away, so that repairs can be made as soon as possible. 

What to Do if Your Vehicle Stalls on the Tracks

GET OUT.  Exit the vehicle immediately and move as far from the tracks as you can.  If a train isn’t approaching, then call local emergency responders as soon as possible.  Be prepared to tell them exactly where your vehicle is located.

 If a train is in sight, then move TOWARDS it, away from its direction of travel.  This will minimize your risk of injury, in the event of a derailment or debris being scattered by the impact.

Gambling with rail crossing safety is never a good bet.  It’s better to be a few minutes late to your destination than to never get there at all.  Practicing train safety will protect you as well as other motorists, and help to ensure that everyone gets where they’re going alive and well.