Although trains are a less common form of passenger transportation in the United States than cars, buses, and planes, trains are still frequently used to transport goods and resources across the nation. Though you may not often come into contact with trains, it is important to obey all traffic laws when approaching train tracks. Many drivers ignore train warning signals, despite the fact that collisions between trains and vehicles are often fatal.
Keep these warnings in mind when approaching train tracks:
- Never stop your vehicle on top of the tracks. If your vehicle stalls, call 911. If a train approaches your stalled car, leave the vehicle. Runaway from the tracks so that you are not injured by the stalled car when the train collides with it.
- Stop at least 15 feet away from a train track when you see flashing warning lights, if a warning gate is lowered, or if you hear a train horn in close proximity.
- If you see an approaching train within 1500 feet of the crossing, stop and wait for it to cross, no matter how slow it seems to be moving. It’s easy to misjudge the speed of a moving train, especially at night. Never try to race a train to the railroad crossing.
- If there are cars in front of and behind you, make sure that there is space on the opposite side of the track for you to safely cross and clear the track before you proceed. Exercise caution around tracks so that you are never stopped on top of a track because you are blocked in by other cars.
- At night time, check twice for moving trains. Many car-train collisions occur when a car drives into the side of a moving train.
- After one train has cleared the crossing, check for a second train before moving forward.
Contact Us
If you have been involved in a train accident, the Iowa personal injury attorneys of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help examine your case to determine if you are eligible for compensation. Contact us at (515) 705-0233 to schedule a free consultation.