Author: Kim

City of Anywhere WV ● 123 Grand Street ● PO Box 16 ● Any City, WV 12345
Phone: 304-111-2222 ● Fax: 304-111-3333 ● Website: www.

Road Facts

Road Rules for Railroad Crossings

Have you ever been at a railroad crossing with the warning lights flashing and a train approaching and thought, “I can make it before the train gets here”? In some situations, you probably can, but is it worth the risk?
Crossing a railroad track with a train approaching in an attempt to save five or ten minutes on your trip could lead to serious injury or even death. In 2012 alone, the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis reported 1,962 highway-rail accidents. As a result of these accidents, 941 people were injured and 272 were killed.
Following the ten safety tips listed below can help prevent vehicle/train-related accidents.
Always slow down when approaching a railroad crossing and look both ways, twice.
Do not try to beat a train across the tracks, or go around the gates, ever.
Never pass another vehicle when approaching a railroad crossing.
Turn off the radio and roll down vehicle windows to listen for warning bells and train whistles at crossings.
Always yield to railroad crossing warning devices and signs.
Never shift gears on a railroad crossing.
Do not attempt to cross a railroad track if your vehicle sits low to the ground and will drag on the tracks.
When stopped at a railroad crossing, leave plenty of room between your car and the tracks (15 to 50 feet).
Always cross at designated roadway crossings.
Always remember a train is closer and traveling faster than you think!
Also, keep in mind that not all railroad crossings have warning devices, such as lights, bells, whistles, and gates; the railroad crossing may still be active with trains running on the tracks.

Photo by Kim Carr, WV LTAP.

Photo by Kim Carr, WV LTAP.

Created September 9, 2013 by the WV Local Technical Assistance Program · http://wvltap.wvu.edu
PO Box 6103 · Morgantown, WV 26506 · Phone: 304-293-9924