railroad crossing safety

Professional drivers never know what they might encounter on their daily routes. But this summer, it’s a safe bet you’ll come across two of the most common danger zones on the road: railroad crossings and low bridges. Both situations require heightened awareness and vigilance to navigate safely. And failing to adhere to proper safety protocols can result in severe damage to your vehicle or cargo. If you’re not careful, these two types of hazards can lead to serious — and even life-threatening — crashes.

Consider This:

Do This:

Make a plan. Map your route in advance and look for ways to avoid railroad crossings and low overpasses. Whenever possible, use a commercial GPS with low-clearance identification built in.

Pay attention. Watch for the crossbuck (the black-and-white “railroad crossing” signs shaped like an X) and other traffic markers that indicate a crossing.

Always expect a train. Don’t get fooled into thinking tracks are abandoned just because they aren’t in good condition.

Know that trains can’t stop quickly. An average train weighing 6,000 pounds and traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Never try to beat the train. Obey all flashing lights, whistles, closing gates and stop signs. Never drive around a closed gate or ignore signals. Do not proceed until gates rise and all lights stop flashing.

Approach the tracks safely. Slow down. Look in both directions. Roll down your windows and turn off any radios or fans so you can hear any trains coming. If you need to stop, make sure you’re at least 15 feet away from the tracks.

Beware of low ground clearance. If the tracks are raised, know your vehicle’s ground clearance and make sure your trailer won’t get stuck while crossing.

If your rig gets stuck on the tracks, get out of your truck and step away from the crossing—even if you don’t see a train coming. Call the number posted on the crossbuck pole. If you can’t find it, call 911.

Look ahead and above. Railroad bridges can be lower than highway bridges. If you see any kind of low clearance ahead, look at the posted height. But know that those signs can be misleading. They may not account for changing road elevations due to repaving.

Know the vehicle height. The weight of your cargo can impact your vehicle’s height, so measure it before each trip.

Avoid other low-hanging objects such as tree branches and overhead wires.

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It’s been a dangerous and deadly summer for tractor trailers and trains. In June, a collision between a dump truck and an Amtrak train in Missouri sparked a derailment that caused four deaths and an estimated $4 billion in damages.

In July, train and semitruck collisions happened in Las Vegas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Iowa, causing injuries and fatalities. And in August, an Amtrak train collided with a semi in Maryland, injuring the truck driver.

Trains are faster than many truck drivers think. You may not realize that trains actually take a very long time to stop. A train traveling at 55 mph needs a mile or more to stop. The nonprofit group Operation Lifesaver offers these tips to help professional drivers navigate railroad crossings safely.

1. Eliminate all distractions.

Turn off noisy radios and fans, and never use your smartphone.

2. Know the signs.

  • A round, yellow sign with the letters “RXR” is an advanced warning of an upcoming crossing. When you see it, slow down, look, listen and get ready to stop.
  • Pavement markings that say RXR warn of a crossing ahead, too. Always stop behind the white line while waiting for a train to pass. If there’s no white line, leave at least 15 feet between the front of your truck and the tracks.
  • A white X posted near the crossing is a crossbuck. Yield at all crossbucks. Trains always have the right-of-way.

3. Always assume a train is coming.

Never think otherwise.

4. Red flashing lights at the tracks mean stop.

Don’t ignore them, and don’t drive around warning arms if they’re closed—it’s illegal and dangerous.

5. Look left and right twice for approaching trains before crossing.

Look around any obstructions located near the tracks. If you can’t see clearly, don’t attempt to cross.

6. Take extra caution at multiple tracks.

Two or more tracks can mean two or more trains are coming.

7. Know the law.

Trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop at all crossings unless an exempt sign is posted at the crossing.

8. Don’t get hung up on the tracks.

Look for low-ground clearance warnings. If you drive anything low to the ground (lowboy, bus, truck or trailer) you are at risk for getting hung up. If there is a limited amount of room or a lot of traffic, always make sure you have the space you need to completely clear the tracks before proceeding.

9. Once you start crossing, don’t hesitate.

If you’re stuck on the tracks, leave your cab immediately. Call the phone number on the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign at the tracks and give the operator the posted crossing identification number. If there is no blue-and-white sign, call 911.


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It takes a 35,000-pound tractor-trailer at least 14 seconds to traverse a single set of train tracks. Trains cannot stop that fast. It takes a 6,000-ton train traveling at 55 mph, a mile or more to completely stop moving. That is why railroad crossings are a dangerous territory for truck drivers and should be approached with caution.

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