Railroad Crossings: Avoiding Deadly Collisions

In 1998, more than 1,000 people were injured and more than 400 people died in highway-rail grade-crossing collisions. More than half of all crashes occurred where warning devices were active.

To be safe, adopt the "Stop, Look, and Listen" rule.

STOP

Come to a total stop when railroad signals flash warnings. A quarter of all accidents occur when cars strike trains already in grade crossings. Two out of three accidents happen in daylight. Of course, never drive under the influence of alcohol.

LOOK

Check both directions. If you can see the locomotive headlights, never disregard signals or try to beat the train across the grade crossing by driving around gates which are down. The average 12-million-pound, 100-car train highballing at 50 m.p.h. takes a mile to stop.

 

LISTEN

Listen for warning bells or other audible signals.

 

Even if you abide by all these rules, you may still be a victim of an accident. However, you still have important rights. A driver received fatal injuries from a snow-plowing train passing a crossing guarded only by crossbucks. A lawyer earned a settlement for the driver's estate after demonstrating that at the time of the accident the plowing unit was speeding and had inaudible warning signals.