• After fully applying the brakes, a loaded freight train traveling 55 mph takes a MILE or more to stop?
• A light rail train can take 600 feet to stop?
• An 8-car passenger train traveling 80 mph requires about a mile to stop?
  
  New Federal statistics find that more than 9 times a week a truck with a trailer and a train collide, and there are many more near-hits than collisions.

To Put it Simply:

When approaching any railroad tracks ALWAYS expect a train!

Below are a few lifesaving hints to remember:

Try to plan your route to avoid crossing railroad tracks.

As you approach the crossing:

• Never ignore flashing lights, whistles, closing gates or stop signs.
• Slow down!
• Look both directions!
• Be certain you don't see a train - roll down windows, turn off fans & radios; listen for warning whistles.
• Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the tracks.
• At night be especially alert, judging speed and distance is difficult. Be very cautious.
• Some vehicles must stop at railroad crossing (unless appropriate signs are present) these vehicles include: buses & trucks with hazardous material placards.

As you begin to cross:

• Never stop on the tracks!
• Never enter a crossing unless you have enough space to fully clear the tracks!

• If the gate comes down after you have started across, drive through the gate even if it means breaking the gates - they are designed to break.

BEWARE! Trailers with low ground clearance can get stuck on raised crossings. (A train and a low-ground-clearance trailer collide every two weeks!)

Operation Lifesaver
This organization is focused on lifesaving by educating people about railroad crossing safety. Learn more about Operation Lifesaver by clicking the above button.