Train-Track Safety

Each day, trains cross the 140,000 miles of railroadModern trains are quieter and much faster than older
tracks that span the United States, delivering goods tomodels, and therefore you may not hear the train
different towns and cities. Despite the train tracksapproaching.
present through most cities and towns, it is easy to- Always obey warning signals on the tracks. Never
overlook the presence of trains.cross tracks when the crossbar is lowered or when
You may even drive over train tracks on your dailylights are flashing.
commute without ever actually seeing a train.- Never try to race a train across the tracks. A train
However, even if you don't usually encounter trains,could be moving faster than it appears.
you should still know about safe behavior near train- Never stop your car in the middle of the tracks.
tracks in order to prevent an emergency or accident.- Never force any other vehicle to stop on top of the
Trains are massive machines. For this reason, they aretracks. If the vehicle in front of or behind you is trapped
highly destructive to anything they hit and cannot easilyon the tracks, attempt to move your vehicle so that
or quickly slow to a stop. Remember some importantthe other car may clear the tracks.
safety tips for crossing train tracks either with your car- Use extreme caution when crossing tracks at night.
or by foot.Many night-time car accidents involving trains occur
If you are crossing railroad tracks by foot:when a motorist drives a car directly into the side of a
- Never walk along the tracks.moving train. The side of a train is difficult to see in low
- If a train approaches, stay far away from the edgelight. Accidents involving trains can have tragic results
of the tracks. Train cars can extend up to three feetfor everyone involved. For this reason, it is important to
outside the edge of the tracks.be familiar with safety near train tracks. For more
- Never place any foreign object on the tracks. Wheninformation about vehicle safety and accident
a train collides with the object, it can fling it out fromprevention and resolution, visit the website of
the tracks, causing serious injury or fatality to anyIndianapolis accident lawyers of the Charles D. Hankey
bystanders. If you are crossing railroad tracks by car:Law Office.
- Slow down and look for the train in both directions.