Rail Safety Month: Navigating Railroad Crossings Safely
Rail Safety is promoted every September and is a nationwide initiative that sheds light on rail safety and the risks of ignoring railroad signals. Every year, we use this time to educate everyone on rail safety and spread awareness of the importance of following safety rules around railroad tracks.
Why is rail safety important?
Each year, preventable collisions occur due to collisions at crossings or with trains. According to Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety organization, over 2,100 people are injured or killed annually in crossing and trespassing incidents in the United States. More than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates.
If your vehicle gets stuck on train tracks, act quickly and stay calm. Exit the vehicle immediately and move away from the tracks, leaving belongings behind. Check for warning signals and listen for an approaching train. Dial 911 to report the situation and your location. If no train is coming, push the vehicle if possible, or wait for help while staying a safe distance away. Prioritize safety and warn others nearby.
What can you do to stay safe around railroad tracks?
If you ever come to a railroad crossing with the gate arms down, it is illegal to attempt to cross the tracks in any way. By law you must wait until the arms are completely upright and have stopped moving. Until they have completely stopped you are still not allowed to cross the tracks. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s the law, and it’s all about safety.
- Always obey all warning signs and signals at railroad crossings.
- Never try to beat a train. Trains can take up to a mile to stop.
- Always look both ways before crossing the tracks, even if there are flashing lights or gates.
- Ensure there is enough room on the opposite side of the tracks before crossing.
- Never stop on the tracks.
- Never cross the tracks when a train is approaching.
- Never walk or bike on railroad tracks.
To prevent distracted driving crashes at railroad crossings, drivers should eliminate distractions, stay alert, use hands-free systems, educate passengers, and advocate for rail safety. Drivers should put away their phones, stop any distracting tasks before driving near railroad tracks. Drivers also need to focus on being aware of their surroundings. Look and listen for train signals, and only utilize hands-free systems if phone use is absolutely necessary.
By practicing these safety measures, we collectively contribute to a safer environment around railroad tracks, reducing the risk of crashes and protecting lives. Rail Safety Week serves as a necessary reminder of the importance of instilling safe driving habits that extend to railway crossings and tracks. At Top Driver, we are committed to spreading this message and equipping individuals with the knowledge to make safe – informed decisions around railways.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rail Safety Month and why does it exist?
Rail Safety Month is observed every September as a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the risks at railroad crossings. According to Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety organization, more than 2,100 people are injured or killed each year in crossing and trespassing incidents in the United States. More than 60% of those collisions happen at crossings that already have lights, gates, or both, which underscores how often drivers ignore active warnings.
Is it legal to drive around lowered railroad crossing gates?
No. If you arrive at a crossing with the gate arms down, it is illegal to cross the tracks in any way. By law you must wait until the arms are completely upright and have stopped moving. Until they are fully stopped, you are still not allowed to cross. Trying to beat a train is also extremely dangerous because trains can take up to a mile to stop, so an engineer who sees you cannot do much about it.
What should I do if my car gets stuck on railroad tracks?
Act quickly and stay calm. Get out of the vehicle immediately and move well away from the tracks, leaving your belongings behind. Check for warning signals and listen for an approaching train. Dial 911 and report your exact location. If no train is in sight and you can do so safely, push the vehicle clear of the tracks; otherwise wait at a safe distance for help. Warn anyone else nearby to stay back too. Your life is worth far more than the car.
What are the basic safety rules for railroad crossings?
Obey every warning sign and signal, never try to beat a train, and always look both ways before crossing even if flashing lights or gates are present. Make sure there is enough room on the far side of the tracks before you start across, and never stop on the tracks. Do not cross when a train is approaching, and never walk or bike on railroad tracks. Trains are larger and faster than they appear and cannot swerve or stop quickly.
How can drivers avoid distracted driving crashes near railroad tracks?
Put the phone away and finish any distracting task before you get near a crossing. Use hands-free systems only if absolutely necessary, and stay focused on your surroundings: look and listen for train signals every time. Educate your passengers so they support, rather than compete with, your attention. Treating every crossing as an active hazard, even on routes you cross daily, is the simplest way to lower your risk.
