The Colorado Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other partners are launching a new railroad crossing safety campaign, “Stop. Trains Can’t” to remind drivers and pedestrians to use caution when crossing railroad tracks.
Between 2013 and 2017, 14 people were killed and 36 were injured in vehicle-train crashes in Colorado. Driver distraction and ignoring posted signs or signals are common factors in such crashes.
A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes a mile to stop – the length of 18 football fields or more – after applying the emergency brakes.
Drivers are urged to follow these tips when crossing a railroad:
Slow down, look and listen for a train when approaching railroad crossings.Look carefully in both directions before crossing.Do not rely on past experiences to guess when a train is coming. Never race a train. Before crossing tracks, make sure there is enough room on the other side of the tracks for the vehicle to cross completely and safely. Never stop or shift gears on the tracks.If your vehicle stalls on a railroad track, quickly move away from the track and your vehicle at a 45-degree angle. Call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign, or dial 911 for help.For more information, visit bit.ly/2x2NIOc.
