Caution at Railroad Crossings: Essential Safety Tips to Remember - Safety precautions at railroad crossings: essential tips for your safety
Railroad crossings are common features on our roads, but they can also pose a significant risk if not approached with caution. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow when navigating these crossings.
Recognizing Signs and Warning Devices
Crossbuck signs mark railroad crossings, with extra-hazardous crossings featuring additional safety measures such as flashing lights, bells, and gates. These warning devices, including flashing lights, gates, and bells, indicate an approaching train and must be obeyed by all road users.
Long white signs with red diagonal stripes, known as "barken," are used to indicate the distance to a railroad crossing. Three stripes mean the crossing is 240 meters away, two stripes mean it's about 160 meters, and one stripe means it's approximately 80 meters.
Safe Practices for Drivers and Cyclists
Approach crossings cautiously by reducing speed and looking both ways, regardless of whether signals are flashing. Stop within a specified distance from the rails when signals are active, gates are down, or an approaching train is visible. School buses and commercial vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings unless exempt. Never attempt to cross if a train is approaching, signals indicate so, or gates are lowered. Drivers should never stop on the railroad tracks; ensure there is enough room to cross completely before proceeding.
Guidelines for Pedestrians
Pedestrians must obey signals, gates, and signage. At crossings with no gates or signals, pedestrians must stop, look, and listen for trains before crossing. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way, but should ensure vehicles have stopped before crossing to avoid accidents.
What to Do in Emergency Situations
If a vehicle stalls or gets stuck on the tracks, immediately exit the vehicle and move away from the tracks in the direction of the oncoming train so you won't be hit by debris if a collision occurs. Contact emergency services and the railroad company using posted emergency numbers at the crossing. For other emergencies, pedestrians and drivers should heed all warning devices and avoid crossing until it is safe.
By following these guidelines—recognizing warning signs, stopping when required, looking both ways even if no signals are active, and yielding appropriately—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can minimize risk and improve safety around railroad crossings. Always remember, the train always has the right of way, so it's crucial to exercise patience and caution when approaching these crossings.
- The community policy should include the importance of adhering to employment policies, particularly those relating to safety practices around railroad crossings, as failure to do so could lead to accidents in the transportation industry, possibly resulting in financial losses.
- Despite the industry-specific guidelines for approaching railroad crossings, it's equally important for employment policies in finance to address the potential risks posed by these crossings during business trips, ensuring employees are adequately informed and prioritize safety while commuting.
