The US Department of Transportation reports that there are 5800 accidents involving train cars each year. There have been 53 train car accidents in the State of Ohio. Train car accidents account for over 600 deaths and approximately 2,300 injuries per year.
Most train car accidents occur at railroad crossings. There are 209,300 railroad crossings in the US and 129,300 in the State of Ohio. Ohio is fifth in the country with the most railroad crossings.
Motorists and passengers are 20 times more likely to die in an accident involving a train car, than a motor vehicle accident not involving train cars.
In the spirit of safety, here is an overview of the proper way to approach a railroad crossing with an active train incoming signal.
- The driver must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet within the nearest rail.
- The driver must not proceed until they can do so safely.
- Proceed with caution when approaching a railroad crossing. Some vehicles, such as a bus transporting passenger, such as a school bus and some commercial vehicles must stop and listen at all railroad crossing, regardless if there is an incoming train signal.
