railroad crossing accident

Hazards Drivers Face at Railroad Crossings

Railroad crossings are one of the most dangerous places for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers. That may be why every driver’s education course seems to have at least one tragic story of someone losing their life or a loved one when their car got stuck on the railroad tracks. However, the risks go beyond just collisions. Knowing how to stay safe around railroad intersections can help you avoid unnecessary danger.

Have you been involved in a railroad collision? You may be entitled to compensation. Learn more now by calling Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short at 334-821-3892.

What Causes Railroad Accidents?

A lot has to go right for trains to pass through smoothly and without incident, and it only takes one or two things going wrong for accidents to occur. Some of the most common causes of crashes include:

  • Lack of warning signs, sounds, and blockades. While there are strict requirements for the safety gear used at railroad crossings, a surprising number of intersections still lack some or all of the necessary warning signs. Missing even one of these warning signs can lead to tragedy.
  • Malfunctioning lights, sounds, and blockades. Warning lights, alarms, and gates need regular maintenance to work properly. When a city falls behind the recommended maintenance schedule, they may not be aware of errors until an accident occurs.
  • Trees or buildings blocking drivers’ sight, making it impossible for them to see when a train is coming. Drivers approaching from either side of a crossing should be able to see clearly whether or not a train is coming. Overgrown foliage, newly constructed buildings, or debris can block a driver’s sight.
  • Trains parking in unsafe locations. If trains park close to the intersection, drivers may get used to seeing them there. This makes it harder to adjust when a train is actually moving through, as drivers get a false sense of security. Trains should be parked properly, far from the crossing.
  • A horn or whistle that is too quiet for drivers to hear. This is particularly a problem in urban areas, where loud city noises may drown out horns and whistles.

Common Types of Railroad Accidents

There are several types of accidents that can happen at railroad crossings. Commonly reported accidents include:

  • Train hitting a car when the car passes through an unguarded or unmanned railroad crossing.
  • A car getting damaged or struck by a blockade coming down if they are unable to move off of the tracks.
  • Cars getting stuck under blockades when a train is approaching, forcing them to flee the car.
  • Pedestrians or bicyclists crossing underneath the blockade and getting hit by an oncoming train.
  • People driving through blockades and causing damage to their own vehicle and public property.

Safety Tips

Prevention is key to saving people from serious and fatal injuries caused by railroad accidents. Many states and larger cities have ongoing campaigns to educate the public on railroad safety in an effort to bring railroad deaths down to zero. Changing a few unsafe habits can be enough to prevent a deadly accident.

Follow these safety tips to avoid railroad crossing collisions:

  • Double- or triple-check all warning signs when approaching a railroad crossing, including the lights, the safety arm, and the noise
  • Don’t get too used to a train’s schedule—they can arrive at any time of the day or night
  • Remember that trains are much faster than cars, so a train that looks far away will be within the danger zone much sooner than you expect
  • When you are stuck in traffic, do not move onto railroad tracks unless you are immediately able to clear them and get to the other side of both blockades
  • If you have the choice to try to rush through a crossing with an alarm sounding or wait, always choose to wait
  • If a vehicle gets stuck on the train tracks, evacuate it immediately and move far away from the crossing to avoid getting hit by debris
  • When approaching a railroad crossing as a pedestrian or bicyclist, turn down your music so you can hear any train sounds

Consult Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short for Help with Your Alabama Train Injury Claim

If you get injured in a railroad accident, you may have a claim against the railroad company, the city, or the manufacturer of the safety equipment. Learn more about filing a personal injury claim by calling Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short at 334-821-3892 or reaching out to us online.

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