September 19th -25th is National Rail Safety Week. Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. Many crashes at railroads occur because motorists fail to stop at a crossing, drive around gates, or stop/stall on the tracks. Remember to follow these recommended Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) key steps for safety:
1. Prepare to stop. Turn off sounds within car and roll down windows. Stop at least 15 feet, but no more than 50 feet away from the nearest rail.
2. Look and listen both ways, carefully. Bend forward to look past your mirrors and other vehicle parts that may be blocking your view.
3. If it won’t fit, don’t commit. Trains extend beyond the width of the rails at least three feet on each side. Remember to gauge the size of your vehicle as well as the cargo and overhang of the train.
4. Look again. Before you move, look again in both directions.
5. Cross tracks with care. Signal, watch for a safe gap, pull onto road if you used a pull out lane. Use highest gear that will let you cross without shifting.
6. Keep going once you start (even if the lights start to flash or gates come down).
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up