Railroad Crossing Safety Topic

Driver safety practice for railroad crossings.

Overview

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration, there are more than 9 accidents a week involving a trailer truck and a train. In fact a trailer with a low ground clearance is much more likely to become stuck on the raised tracks than a regular motor vehicle. If/when required a driver should stop no closer than 15 feet and no further than 500 feet from the rail crossing.

General Safety

• Be aware of warning signs (flashing lights, gates etc)
• All drivers, regardless of vehicle type, should:
• Never stop over/on the track
• Do not enter crossing if the end of the vehicle can not fully clear the tracks
• If gate is lowered while crossing, continue forward (gate is designed to break on impact)
• Never try to beat/race a train- the train will win

In case of Emergency

If truck/vehicle becomes caught on the rails without a train approaching, immediately exit the vehicle and…