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Train Track Safety Tips For Drivers | Railroad Crossing Safety | Virginia Car Accident Lawyers

Recently we covered the story of a mother and daughter who were killed in Greensville, Virginia, when they attempted to drive in front of a train after ignoring the warning signals. The car rolled several times after being struck by the train and landed 35 feet away from the tracks. This tragic Virginia car accident certainly reminds us of the dangers of railroad crossings – in 2007, 2,746 people were killed in railroad crossing collisions in the United States.

Here are a few safety tips to prevent train track collisions:

• Even if you rarely or never see a train on a certain track, assume that there may be one approaching. A number of railroad collisions take place when a driver simply assumes the track as not been in use.
• When stopped on either side of a railroad track, make sure to leave at least 15 feet between you and the track. Many railroad track accidents occur when the rear end of vehicles are struck by trains.
• Never stop on a railroad track – you could be boxed in.
• Look both ways before you drive across the tracks if there is more than one track. A train traveling in one direction could hide the sight and sound of a train coming in the other direction.
• Never, ever snake around lowered crossing gates, even if it seems like they may be malfunctioning.
• If you stall or break down on a railroad track, exit the car immediately and call an emergency line for help.
• Realize that not all railroad crossings have blinking warning lights or crossing gates – some may not be marked at all.

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