What if railroad crossing is stuck with no train?

In most cases, a rail crossing failure results in the gates being down with no train in sight. Gates failing in the down position is actually a safety design. Other types of crossing issues, such as the failure of a gate to activate for a train, are rare but should definitely be reported to 911 immediately.



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It is illegal to go around the gates. Warns of an approaching train and used to close the road when a train approaches. It is only legal to drive around lowered gates if the crossing is flagged by a law officer or railroad employee.

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Use caution and be prepared to stop. If you are following a bus or truck approaching a railroad crossing, be careful. Most buses and some trucks must stop at railroad crossings.

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Get out of your vehicle if it stalls. If your vehicle stalls on a track while a train is coming, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the opposite direction the train is traveling. If you run in the same direction as the train, you could be injured by flying debris.

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Common Injuries in Railroad Crossing Collisions Unfortunately, the injuries suffered in train-vehicle collisions are often life-changing. The enormous weight and speed of the train can result in an impact that causes the car to spin around or roll over, and may even crush the vehicle completely.

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Stay safe at station platforms Do not ride your bike, scooter, roller blades, or skates on the station platform. Allow passengers to exit the train before you board. Mind the gap between the platform and the train when boarding and exiting.

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Red flashing lights and gates Some even have gates which cross the traffic lane. If the lights begin to flash or the bells begin to ring, STOP! A train is coming. You must yield to the train and remain stopped until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates have lifted.

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A low-voltage electric current is sent between the two rails via a series of relays like the ones in this photo. When a train approaches, the current runs through the train's metal wheels and axles instead of the relays. This short circuit activates the crossing signal.

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Safety tips: Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal. The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate.

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A train passes but the lights keep flashing. What must you do? Explanation: If the lights at a level crossing keep flashing after a train has passed, you should continue to wait, because another train might be coming.

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