Did you know that, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, a person or vehicle is struck by a train at a highway rail grade crossing every four hours? Trains can’t stop quickly. A freight train that is traveling 55 miles per hour can take more than a mile to stop, even if an emergency application of the brakes is applied.
In 2019, Texas ranked as the state with the most collisions in the U.S. with a total of 251 highway-rail grade crossing collisions. As a result, 31 people lost their lives and 123 were injured. Never try to beat a train! Follow these tips to stay safe and help us reduce the number of incidents at rail crossings:
- Stop if you see flashing red lights
- Only cross at a highway-rail grade crossing
- Only cross if gate arms are up, lights have stopped flashing and bells have stopped ringing
In 2019, the state of Texas also ranked as the state with the second highest pedestrian rail trespassing casualties with a total of 100, out of which 44 lost their lives and 56 resulted in injuries. If you are walking near a train, remember:
- Only cross at a designated public crossing. Crossing at any other place is trespassing, illegal and dangerous
- Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing
- Only cross if gate arms are up, lights have stopped flashing and bells have stopped ringing
- Look both ways before crossing tracks
Don’t become part of the statistics. Follow these tips and help us reduce the number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions and trespassing casualties. Remember, be patient and stay safe!