Trains are large, heavy and can’t steer, they must follow the track they are on and in an emergency, the only thing a conductor can do is apply the brakes and wait for the train to stop.
It can take up to a mile or more for a train to come to a complete stop.
Trains ALWAYS have the right of way. In any situation no matter where, no matter when all pedestrian traffic and automobile traffic must yield the right of way to a train.
Train tracks are, unfortunately, an attraction to many as a shortcut, walking on bridges, people running on tracks and almost everyday there is an accident with a …show more content…
and still the pedestrian doesn’t see or hear the train.
Playing on tracks is also illegal. The train tracks are private property and it is considered trespassing if you disobey these laws and disrespect these areas and you could get a fine.
Each year approximately 1000 people die at crossings and rights of way, thousands injured each year.
Vandalism is also a problem causing tragic results. Tampering with tracks, throwing things at trains and “tagging” a train has resulted in injuries and deaths to workers and citizens.
As a driver a person must be very aware of railroad crossing and it is imperative that a driver obeys ALL laws related to crossings. An automobile is 40 times more likely to die by a train than being in an accident with another. Trains are just so much bigger that a person or automobile does not have a chance. Most collisions with trains occur at crossings with state of the art notification, gates, flashing lights, etc. people ignore these warnings and drive around.
There are different types of railroad crossings, simple crossings with only signage and crossings with lights, crossing gates, etc. All crossings need to be taken seriously. A car should