In wake of numerous deaths on Colorado railroads, new campaign urges drivers to ‘Stop. Trains can’t.’

Source: NHTSA

A new campaign is urging drivers and pedestrians to use caution when crossing railroad tracks. In Colorado, 14 people were killed in crashes involving a vehicle and a train from 2013 through 2017.

The railroad safety campaign, launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, CDOT, and other partners, is called "Stop. Trains Can't."

Drivers are urged to follow these tips to stay safe when crossing a railroad:

• When approaching a railroad crossing, slow down, look and listen for a train on the tracks, especially at “passive” crossings without gates and lights.
• Look carefully in both directions before crossing a rail track, even during the day. Sixty-seven percent of railroad crossing collisions occur in clear weather conditions.
• Do not rely on past experiences to guess when a train is coming. Trains can come from either direction at any time.
• Never race a train. It is easy to misjudge a train’s speed and distance from the crossing.
• Before entering a railroad crossing, check that there is enough room on the other side of the tracks for your vehicle to cross completely and safely. Be aware that you may need to cross multiple sets of tracks at some railroad crossings.
• Never stop on the railroad tracks. Keep moving once you have entered the crossing. To avoid stalling, never shift gears on the tracks.
• If a vehicle stalls on a railroad track, quickly move away from the track and your vehicle at a 45-degree angle. Call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign, or dial 911 for help.

For more information, read the article in the Greeley Tribune.