Rail Crossing Dangers:

Its a Fact: A train/motor vehicle crash occurs about every 120 minutes in the U.S.  As a motorist, you are 40 times as likely to die in a crash with a train than other motor vehicle crashes.

An average, two fatalities occur each day resulting from highway/rail crashes and/or pedestrian/trespasser incidents.  In the course of a year that is more people that die from railroad accidents than all airplane crashes in the country.

In 2002, incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States caused 311 deaths and 859 injuries. As traffic congestion increases, advanced traffic control technologies for highway-rail crossings can help reduce back-ups and make highway travel safer.

"Guidance on Traffic Control Devices at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings," a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with input from the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Technical Working Group (TWG), helps engineers assess driver needs, specify appropriate passive and active traffic control devices and systems, and evaluate potential roadway design improvements. Some key points:

• Signs - Signs required or permitted by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are discussed. A table provides guidance on when the optional signs are applicable.
• Active Traffic Control Devices - Standard devices - such as flashing-light signals and automatic gates, and supplemental devices - such as active advance warning signs with flashers, are discussed.
• Preemption / Interconnection - Situations where preemption/interconnection is required or should be considered to mitigate intersection back-ups are discussed.
• Pre-signals - Presignals are operated as part of the highway intersection traffic signal system, but their displays are integrated into the railroad preemption program. When to implement the use of pre-signals is discussed.
• Median Separation - Restricting driver access to opposing lanes helps reduce crossing gate violations.
• Train Detection Systems - Train detection systems need to provide a minimum of 20 seconds of warning time. Factors to consider before increasing warning time are listed.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety - Fencing, swing gates, pedestrian barriers, pavement markings, and other ideas for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety are discussed.
• Crossing Closure - Unneeded crossings should be eliminated. Factors to consider when making the closure decision are discussed.
• Grade Separation - Life cycle cost analysis rather than initial construction costs should govern decisions on separate grading. Factors to be analyzed are discussed.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, you should consult with an attorney.  For a free case evaluation, fill out the form below.  The form will be reviewed by an attorney per our sites terms and conditions.