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Railroad Crossing Accidents and Commercial Trucks

In the United States, a train collides with a vehicle every 90 minutes.  Truck drivers should take note of the following safety information:

  • A train can take a mile or more to stop.

  • Stop no closer than 15 feet (one car length) from the crossing.

  • If you are in traffic, do not move forward if you cannot safely clear the crossing.

  • Note the overhang – both for your truck and a train – of 3 feet or more.

  • Make sure that trailer jacks are in the “up” position. (Non-retracted trailer jacks can cause trailers to become stuck on crossings).

  • Cell phones are the top distraction for all drivers.

  • If you get stuck at the crossing, get out of your truck, call local police or the 800 number posted at the crossing to alert trains of your position.

Eighteen-Wheelers and Railroad Crossings

Drivers of these trucks must stop at every highway-rail intersection:

  • Transporting chlorine;

  • Driving any vehicle placarded for hazardous materials;

  • Driving a cargo tank used for hazardous materials, whether loaded or empty;

  • Transporting, in a cargo tank, a Class 3 elevated temperature material; or

  • Transporting a hazardous material covered by a DOT exemption.

Help if You’ve Been Injured by a Truck at a Railroad Crossing

At O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath, our trained attorneys understand that your injuries may be due to a truck negligently entering or exiting a railroad crossing.  Our traffic safety knowledge and experience make us uniquely well-qualified to handle even the most deadly railroad crossing cases.  If you suspect you have an injury due to a collision with a semi truck at a railroad crossing, contact us today.

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