|
|
RAILWAY CROSSING FACTS AND TIPS
- There are approximately 55,000 public, private and pedestrian
highway/railway crossings in Canada.
- In 2006, 28 people were seriously injured in 248 highway/railway
crossing collisions.
- Approximately 50 per cent of vehicle/train collisions occur at
crossings with active warning devices (gates, lights, bells).
- Trains cannot stop quickly. An average freight train travelling at 100
km/h requires about 1.1 kilometres to stop. A passenger train travelling at
120 km/h requires about 1.6 kilometres to stop. That’s 14 football fields!
- Look for the crossbuck symbol of a highway/railway crossing. Some
more-travelled highway/railway crossings have lights and bells or gates.
- Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off, or turn down,
distracting fans, heaters and radios until the crossing is safely cleared.
Opening the window helps you to hear better.
- Never drive around lowered gates – it’s illegal and deadly. If you
suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near
the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.
- Never race a train to the crossing – even in a tie, you lose.
- Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a
highway/railway crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the
crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the
tracks on both sides.
- If your vehicle stalls on the tracks at a crossing, immediately get
everyone out and far away from the tracks. Move in the direction that the
train is approaching from to avoid being hit by debris, because the momentum
of the train will sweep your vehicle forward.
- At a multiple-track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out
for a second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
- Railway tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property.
Walking or playing on them is illegal – trespassers are subject to arrest
and fines. Too often the penalty is death.
- In 2006, at least 59 people were killed while trespassing on railway
property.
- Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on
railway tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.
- Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or railway crossings.
Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
- Do not attempt to hop aboard railway equipment at any time. A slip of
the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.
April 2007
|