Side-impact collisions between a semi-truck and train can result in devastating losses. The key to preventing a crash is to be able to recognize the hazards that can lead to a collision and take appropriate defensive measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a crash at a railroad crossing.
Railroad crossings create unique hazards for truck drivers. The width of the crossing and the grade/slope of the road leading up to the tracks can make startups challenging. Missing or inoperable warning signs, as well as obstructions, adverse weather, and poor lighting, can make an approaching train challenging to spot.
If the trailer’s landing gear is not fully raised or if pulling a lowboy-type trailer with low ground clearance, the trailer could get stuck on the tracks and prevent the driver from moving the truck and avoiding an oncoming train.
Crashes at railroad crossings can result from a driver’s poor judgment (i.e., misjudging the approaching train’s speed), impatience (i.e., trying to beat the train), stopping or getting stuck on the tracks, or stopping too close to the tracks and being unaware of the train’s width.
If a railroad crossing has missing or inoperable warning signs/crossing arms:
When it is safe to cross:
If the truck stalls or gets hung up on the tracks:
Call 911 immediately and notify law enforcement of the crossing’s identification number.
If a train is approaching:
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
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This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor does it advise insureds on employment-related issues. Therefore, the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.