This article is sponsored by Louisville & Indiana Railroad
In 2020, there were 1,889 collisions between trains and vehicles at railroad crossings on highways, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. That number was down from 2,229 and had been steadily dropping for decades, thanks in part to increased education for drivers by groups like the FRA and nonprofits like Operation Lifesaver, as well as railroads like the Louisville & Indiana Railroad, which ensures the safety of an annual 20,000 train carloads and countless individual drivers across 106 miles of rail line between Indianapolis and Louisville.
The best way to avoid life-threatening collisions on railroad tracks is for all drivers to know exactly what to do if their car gets stuck at a crossing. Here’s a step-by-step guide, so you won’t have to think about it later, should you ever find yourself in that position.
Get out of danger
It’s better to save your own life than save your car. If your vehicle is stuck in the path of a train, exit the car and move to safety. Hopefully, you can contact the authorities in time to warn them of the car on the tracks and avoid a collision altogether.
Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign
Once you’re off the tracks, look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign, which should be located near the familiar flashing red lights or other infrastructure around the crossing.
Call for help
The ENS sign will list the proper number to call to contact railroad authorities, who can warn trains of your situation. State the nature of your emergency to the dispatcher.
Communicate your location
The ENS sign will also include a crossing number, known as the The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Crossing Inventory Number, which indicates your exact position along the track. Be sure to give this information to the dispatcher on your call in order to get help faster and help the railroad notify nearby trains.
Call 911
If you can’t locate the ENS sign or you have any trouble contacting the dispatcher, call 911 immediately.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
