Train accidents are fairly uncommon compared to other transportation accidents. This may be why railroad accidents are not considered a major threat. There are over 600 railroads in the United States, hundreds of thousands of miles of track, and over 209,000 railroad crossings. Even though railroad accidents are not very common, they can result in many fatalities and very severe injuries when they do occur. Read more about how obtaining compensation works in railroad accidents.
Why are railroad crossings considered dangerous?
Railroad crossings can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Trains are much faster than many people realize.
- The typical freight train can take over one mile to come to a stop.
- When hit by a train, car drivers and passengers are more than 40 times more likely to die than if they were hit by another car.
- Many intersection crossings lack safety equipment that engages with neighboring traffic signals.
Railroad safety tips for drivers
A train always has the right of way since it can not change directions. Railroad crossing warnings exist in various shapes and sizes, like active and passive warnings. Private passenger and commercial vehicles must take certain special precautions when at a railroad crossing.
Some rail crossing safety tips for drivers are:
- Expect that a train might arrive from any direction.
- Expect a train on any track at any moment.
- Before crossing a railroad, always come to a complete stop, or at least slow down to a safe speed, and look both ways.
- Never try to race a train. You will lose.
- You should never drive around a crossing gate.
- Never get stuck on a crossing. Train schedules can be unpredictable. Continue crossing once you have started. Remember that a train has a three-foot overhang from the tracks.
- Do not underestimate the speed of a train. Because of its size, a train may appear to be moving slower than its actual speed.
- If you find yourself at a crossing with a blocked view, always stop and proceed gently until you can safely see the crossing.
- If a train is crossing in one direction at a multiple-track crossing, look in the opposite direction before proceeding.
Get help from a lawyer today.
Finding liability or receiving compensation in a railroad accident can be extremely challenging and complicated. If you or a loved one has been involved in a railroad accident, do not waste time. Get in touch with an experienced attorney today and determine your legal options.
