How To Avoid Being Hit By A Train

 

 
In the U.S. someone is hit by a train once every two hours. These crashes are almost completely avoidable. Driving over a Coke can with a car is the same as a train hitting your car.

From a distance trains appear to be moving slower than they are. Some think trains can stop to avoid a collision. In reality a train traveling 50 mph would take a mile and a half to come to a stop. Some crashes happen just because drivers want to beat the train. We are taught to be competitive but when we are behind the wheel of the car we have to work with people instead of against them.

Highway rail deaths are almost completely preventable if these rules are followed: At a railroad crossing, always assume a train is coming and be ready to yield. Never drive around a lowered gate or go past flashing red lights. Never race a train to a crossing. If you tie, you lose. Never drive onto a crossing unless there is room to get off the other side. Also, watch for a second train when you cross multiple tracks. Don’t walk, cycle, or ride on or near railroad tracks. Cross tracks only at designated crossings. Stay off bridges and out of tunnels. Finally, if your car stalls on a crossing get out immediately and call the police for help.

Almost half of all crashes at railroad crossings happen at crossing that do not have automatic gates and flashing lights. This makes it even more important for drivers to be alert and take railroad crossings seriously. Remember, when a car and a train collide, the train wins every time.