HOW TO WORK FOR SAFER RAILROAD CROSSINGS

This article discusses efforts to reduce highway-railroad crossing accidents between motor vehicles and trains. There are about 260,000 highway-rail crossings in the U.S. and a collision occurred every 100 minutes, on average, in 1998. Over 50% of these crashes happened at crossings where active crossing devices exist (flashing light signals and automatic gates). Some safety advocates are promoting 4-gate setups that actively stop drivers from entering blocked crossings, and newer sensors that alert trains to objects ahead on the tracks have been developed. Statistics show that highway-rail crossing collisions, injuries, and fatalities have been declining for the last 5 years. These declines are largely due to the efforts of organizations such as Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit public awareness program. This organization develops effective public awareness and education efforts, and encourages the use of innovative solutions and best practices. Additional funding would enhance these efforts. A table of related statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration is included.

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    P.O. Box 558
    Park Ridge, IL  United States  60068
  • Publication Date: 1999-12

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 40-41
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00781913
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 5 2000 12:00AM