Advance Warning Sign for Railways

Although the Departments of Transportation provide us with several kinds of railroad signs and warnings, highway-rail incidents at public and private crossings still occur all too often. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were 265 fatalities at these locations in 2016 alone. Furthermore, the FRA estimates that more than 75% of all railway accidents in 2016 primarily came from 15 states, and Indiana was 6th on the list.

Railroad safety is not only important at public and private crossings, it is also critical to use proper precaution around train tracks. Continue reading to learn more about highway-rail grade crossings, as well as critical safety tips that will keep you protected from serious accidents and injuries. Be sure to share these tips with your loved ones!

The Most Common Railway Warning Signs

There are several types of devices, signs, and signals the U.S. DOT uses to keep drivers and pedestrians safe around train tracks and crossings. The five most common include bright yellow advanced warning signs, crossbuck signs, crossbuck signs with signals, gates with flashing red lights, and pavement markings. As a driver, it is highly likely you have seen these signs before.

Advanced Warning Signs – These signs are yellow and have the double “R’s” and a big black “x” on them. They are generally the first sign that appears when you are approaching a highway-rail grade crossing. You must slow down and pay close attention so that you are prepared to stop.

Crossbuck Signs – These are the white signs in the shape of a big “X”, with the words “Railroad” on one side and “Crossing” on the other. For crossings with multiple tracks, they are generally accompanied with a smaller sign below indicating the number of tracks to anticipate. When you see this sign, you must yield if a train is on the way, on all tracks.

Crossbuck Signs With Signals – These signs look just like crossbuck signs, but are also accompanied with mechanical signals and lights to indicate an approaching train. When these signs are flashing, you must come to a stop and wait for the train to pass.

Gates With Flashing Red Lights – You often see these red and white mechanical gates that raise and lower for crossing traffic. If you approach railways gates that are lowering and flashing, you must stop and wait for the train to pass. Afterwards, you cannot proceed until the gates have finished lifting.

Pavement Markings – Pavement markings like “RXR’s” and “stop lines” are common to see when you are approaching a railway crossing. You must stay behind the stop line and pause to look for an oncoming train. If the tracks are clear, you can proceed. If there is not a stop line present, you must stop at least 15 feet from the closest rail.

Critical Railroad Safety Tips

⛒ Always look both ways before crossing a railroad track, whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car.

⛒ When crossing a track in a manual transmission vehicle, do not change gears mid-track.

⛒ If you must cross a track on foot, you must be sure there is enough clearance on the other side before crossing. In many cases, trains overlap tracks by 3 or 4 feet, and sometimes more.

⛒ Never park or linger on train tracks. If an engineer sees you, they cannot stop in time at 55 miles an hour. It would take at least a mile for the train to come to a complete stop.

⛒ If your car stops on tracks, immediately exit your vehicle and wait at least 15 feet from the train tracks for roadside assistance or the police. You may also call the emergency notification number posted near the crossing. Do not call a non-professional (friend, family, etc.) for help; this is not safe.

⛒ If you see a train approaching, do not try to outrun it with your car or bike. Although trains look like they are faraway, they are much closer and faster than they appear.

⛒ If you are seriously hurt as a result of someone else’s train track negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to recover compensation for your losses and damages.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the complete and just compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Causes for Train Track Accidents

The most common cause for train track accidents is negligence, whether by pedestrian, driver, manufacturer, or railway company. In many cases of driving, drivers will attempt to beat the train and cross the tracks by increasing their speed. As mentioned, trains are always closer than they appear, they are much faster than they appear, and they take several minutes to come to a complete stop. It is a dangerous decision to out-drive a train because of these facts and more.

Other cases of train accidents occur when there is a lack of adequate signage or signals on railway tracks and intersections to alert drivers of passing trains. This is especially common at night when it is dark and both drivers and train conductors have difficulty seeing their surroundings. There are several other potential causes for train accidents, some of which are entirely out of a victims control regardless of how obedient they are to the law, including train defects, track defects, electronic defects, judgement errors, mistakes, faulty construction, and inclement weather.

Railroad Safety Tips:

⛒ Always adhere to all railroad and traffic laws, whether on foot or in a vehicle.

⛒ When driving, only cross a railroad intersection when you are sure there is no risk of stopping or stalling.

⛒ Drivers should always remain at least 15 feet away from the actual railroad track. Trains are wider than their tracks.

⛒ Never attempt to cross a railroad when the indicators and gates are closing.

⛒ If a gate is stuck and will not open back up, contact a police officer for assistance. Never attempt to lift the gates yourself.

⛒ Don’t just listen for trains, look for them too. Modern technology makes them quieter.

⛒ Do not wear headphones when walking near train tracks. Stay alert and avoid distractions such as these at all times.

⛒ Wear reflective gear at night when walking or riding a bike near train tracks or public roads.

⛒ Always use extra caution when walking, riding, and driving near train tracks.

Train Accidents and Injuries

Regardless of how your railroad accident occurred, if your injuries were caused by another’s negligence, you need to speak with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney to learn your rights to compensation for your damages and losses. Be sure to do this right away before the statutes of limitations runs out.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

Tag Archives: Railroad Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Railroad Tracks and Crossings