What to Do If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck on a Train Crossing
With the tragic news from Pecos, TX this week, the Washoe County, NV Rail Auxiliary Team will keep the two UP employees and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Such an accident might have been avoided by making just one call. One call to the railroad. How do you contact the railroad when you see something that needs to be reported along railroad tracks, look for the BLUE ENS sign.
Simply call the number and give the call taker the crossing number (as shown above) and report the problem. Don’t call 911 first, call the railroad first so that you may possibly help avoid an accident like what took place this week in Pecos, TX.
For further information, read below the major causes of vehicle / train collisions, immediate actions to take along with preventive measures to avoid getting stuck on the tracks.
The Washoe County Rail Auxiliary Team desires to educate the public on proper safety around railroad tracks and crossings. If you are interested in a FREE Rail Safety Presentation for your organization, please contact the Rail Auxiliary Team via the Contact page.
Train crossings can be dangerous places for vehicles, especially if a car or truck becomes stuck on the tracks. Knowing what to do in such a scenario can save lives and prevent catastrophic accidents. Here’s what every driver needs to know about preventing and responding to vehicle-train crossing emergencies.
Why Do Vehicles Get Stuck?
Vehicles may get stuck on train crossings for a variety of reasons:
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Driver Error: Misjudging the height of the tracks or failing to observe warning signals.
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Mechanical Failure: A vehicle might break down or lose power while crossing.
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Traffic Congestion: Drivers stopping too close to the tracks without enough clearance to continue forward.
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Weather Conditions: Snow, ice, or mud can reduce traction and leave a vehicle immobilized.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your vehicle gets stuck on a train crossing, quick action is crucial. Follow these steps:
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Exit the Vehicle Immediately: Leave your car as soon as you realize it is stuck. Don’t waste time trying to move it if a train is approaching.
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Warn Others: If passengers are with you, ensure they exit the vehicle as well and move to a safe distance. Stand at least 50 feet away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming. This minimizes the risk of being hit by debris if the train collides with your car.
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Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign: Most train crossings in the United States have a blue and white ENS sign. This sign provides a phone number and a unique crossing identification number. Call the number to notify the railroad of your situation and location. They can alert oncoming trains to stop or slow down.
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Call 911: If the ENS sign is not available or visible, call 911 immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about your location.
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Do Not Attempt to Push the Vehicle: If a train is approaching, do not try to move the vehicle off the tracks. Prioritize your safety over the vehicle.
Preventive Measures
To avoid getting stuck on a train crossing, follow these precautions:
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Observe All Signals: Pay attention to flashing lights, gates, and audible signals. Do not attempt to cross if the signals indicate an oncoming train.
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Know Your Vehicle's Limits: Be cautious if you are driving a low-clearance vehicle, as it may bottom out on raised tracks.
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Ensure Clearance: Before crossing, make sure there is enough space on the other side to accommodate your vehicle. Do not stop on the tracks for any reason.
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Adapt to Conditions: Be mindful of weather and road conditions that could impede your ability to cross safely.
The Danger of Train Collisions
Trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour can take more than a mile to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied. This is why it’s critical to avoid being on the tracks when a train is approaching. Collisions between trains and vehicles often result in severe damage and can be fatal.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond if your vehicle gets stuck on a train crossing can save lives. Always prioritize safety over property and act quickly to prevent a collision. By understanding the risks and following preventive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of finding yourself in such a dangerous situation.