Train crossings can be incredibly dangerous places despite the warning lights, sounds and barriers. Every year people die or suffer horrible injuries due to accidents at these crossings.
While you may not be able to avoid every dangerous situation, it can help you to stay safer if you understand some general rules for driving near and over train tracks.
Understand trains
Operation Liversaver explains that trains do not operate in the same way as cars and need more time to stop than you may think. A train cannot stop instantly. It can take miles, depending on the speed, for a train to come to a complete stop. If you are on the tracks and in the path of a train, it will most likely hit you before it can stop.
Trains also appear to move more slowly than they actually are. It is a type of optical illusion. You may think you can make it across the tracks before the train reaches your location, but this is usually not true. For this reason, you should never drive around a barrier.
Trains also run on varying schedules. They do not always run at the same time, so you should always check for trains before crossing tracks, even those with barriers.
Practice safety
You also need to know how to be safe when crossing tracks. You should never stop on tracks. Always assume a train will be coming soon.
If you get stuck on tracks, you should leave your vehicle and call for help. You should not stay inside it and try to fix the issue.
Staying safe around trains requires being more aware of track safety. If you are alert around tracks, you can avoid a horrible accident.