RAILROAD CROSSINGS PROVIDE “HELP” INFORMATION

Safety: transportation

February 2004
04-R-08

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INTRODUCTION: For many years, U.S. railroad companies have searched for ways to solve problems that may occur at their railroad/highway crossings. From stalled automobiles to tractor-trailer rigs stuck on the tracks, a simple solution is now in place at most railroad crossings throughout the U.S.

Fig. 1: Emergency information sign at railroad crossing.

GENERAL FEATURES: At most railroad crossings, a small sign can be found to give information about the owner of the railroad and a telephone number to call in case of an emergency. If a railroad crossing arm or signal is present, the information can be found on the small building that houses all the electronics for the railroad crossing signal. The sign is usually orange (faded orange due to sunlight and weather). The sign contains a large printed number, which corresponds to that specific railroad crossing. No other crossing will have that number. The telephone number on the sign can be called and the information relayed to the dispatcher who will notify the proper authorities about any problem. If there is not a signal, the sign will be displayed on the post holding the railroad cross-arm sign.

Fig. 2: Where there are warning lights, the sign is usually attached to the small,
metal building housing the crossing equipment, a few feet from the crossing.

OPERATION: Once the proper authority has been notified, the railroad company will call the train engineer to inform him of the problem. The train engineer can start the process of slowing or stopping the train if necessary. The use of these telephone numbers and location numbers can reduce accidents and property damage significantly.

Fig. 3: Where there are no railroad warning lights, the sign may be
mounted on the post supporting the cross-arm sign.

Federal statistics show that railroad crossing accidents have held steady at about 3,500 for the last two years, although train traffic has increased during that time. Jack Burke, spokesman for Canadian National-Illinois Central Railroad in Chicago, Illinois states that both the number of trains and the number of people driving cars are way up; however, “I can argue that accidents have, in fact, declined."

Since train traffic has increased significantly over the past few years, more problems can be expected at these railroad crossings. With the addition of information signs at each crossing—and the ubiquity of cell phones—fast responses to emergency situations are now possible.

Trains cannot stop quickly, and they cannot avoid a collision on only a few minutes’ notice. It is our responsibility to be aware of the railroad crossing, “Look, Listen, and Live,” and to proceed with caution.

Forest Resources Association Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 350, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 838-9385     Fax: (301) 838-9481