Safe Driving Practices for Train Crossings Kevin Gettz

Safe Driving Practices for Train Crossings Kevin Gettz

Why should we be concerned? • Over 5, 800 train-vehicle accidents in Iowa since 1975 • In America, a train hits someone every 2 hours • 2, 000 Americans killed each year at railroad crossings

Recent Cases • Cambridge, IA; Jan 20, 2018; Two women in vehicle hit by train; survived • Nora Springs, IA; Dec 2, 2017; Two killed, one injured after entering train crossing • Clear Lake, IA; Jan 4, 2018; Vehicle struck by train, dragged over 30 feet, no injuries to driver • Mason City, IA; Oct 26, 2017; Two farmers in semi-truck struck by train; both hospitalized, one in critical condition • West Liberty, IA; Oct. 22, 2017; Man left in critical condition after his vehicle was struck by train

From Cambridge Case: When it’s train vs. car, the train will always win http: //www. amestrib. com/news/20180120/two-women-hospitalized-after-train-accident-near-cambridge

The common denominators: • Vehicles parked on tracks • Vehicles crossing when/where they should not be!

Safe Driving Practices: • Be attentive when approaching a railroad crossing • Slow down and look both ways • Put down the phone!!! • Turn down your radio and open windows to hear the train horn • Yield to flashing lights, whistles, closing gates, and crossbucks

Additional Safety Tips • Only cross at designated crossings • If you must stop, leave at least 15 feet from tracks • Do NOT drive around the lowered gates • Do NOT attempt to “beat” the train to the crossing

What if my car gets stuck? • Exit the vehicle immediately • Do not attempt to push the vehicle or perform maintenance • Move away; if a train hits the car, debris will fly several feet

Thank you for listening! • Remember: The train will always win

References • • http: //db. desmoinesregister. com/dangerous-crossings/page=291 • • http: //www. kimt. com/content/news/468021013. html http: //globegazette. com/news/local/update-one-in-critical-condition-after-rural-masoncity-train/article_0 dd 8 e 212 -b 00 b-56 c 8 -b 645 -826301 ae 7655. html http: //www. tdi. texas. gov/pubs/videoresource/fsrailroadcross. pdf • http: //whotv. com/2017/12/02/fatal-train-vehicle-crash-being-investigated-in-floyd-county/ http: //whotv. com/2018/01/20/two-women-hospitalized-after-car-hit-by-train/ http: //www. amestrib. com/news/20180120/two-women-hospitalized-after-train-accidentnear-cambridge