Tips for Professional Drivers

Operation Lifesaver and the American Trucking Associations remind professional drivers to stay alert at places where the roadway crosses train tracks.  These highway-rail grade crossings are a special kind of intersection.  ATA provides these safety reminders to professional drivers.  Be aware that local and state laws may be more restrictive than the reminders stated below.

Stopping Safely at Highway-Rail Intersections

• Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 from the nearest rail.
  
• Check for traffic behind you while stopping gradually. Use a pull-out lane, if available.
  
• Turn on four-way flashers; leave on until following traffic has safely stopped.
  
• To better hear the train, roll down the window, turn off the stereo and fans.
  
• While stopped, look carefully in each direction for approaching trains, moving head and eyes to see around obstructions such as mirrors and windshield pillars.
  

At 80,000 pounds, pulling a 53-foot trailer, a typical linehaul unit on a level road with good surface conditions requires at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.

Resuming Travel

• Before resuming, make sure there is enough room on the other side of the tracks for the whole unit to clear the tracks, INCLUDING OVERHANG.
  
• If you stopped in a pull-out lane, signal and pull back onto the road when there is a safe gap in traffic. Expect traffic in other lanes to pass you.
  
• Use the highest gear which will let you cross the tracks without shifting.
  
• If the red lights begin to flash after starting over tracks, KEEP GOING. Lights should begin flashing at least 20 seconds before the train arrives at crossing.
  

Stopping Is Not Required

• In some states, when the crossing is controlled by a standard traffic signal showing green when tracks are clear.
  
• At crossings marked with signs showing EXEMPT, ABANDONED, or TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE.
  
• At a streetcar or spur track in a business district, in some states.
  
• Where traffic is controlled by a flagman or police officer.

When To Stop At Every Highway-Rail Intersection

• Transporting chlorine, whether or not placarding is required.
  
• Driving any vehicle placarded for hazardous material.
  
• Driving a cargo tank used for hazardous materials, whether loaded or empty.
  
• Transporting, in a cargo tank, a Class 3 elevated temperature material.
  
• Transporting a hazardous material covered by a DOT exemption (shipping papers or packaging materials marked "DOT-E" followed by exemption number).
  

Special Situations

Be aware! These trailers can get stuck on raised crossings:

1. Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, possum-belly livestock trailer).
2. Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor.

If for any reason, you do get stuck on the tracks, get out of the truck and away from the tracks.

1. Check signposts or signal housing at the crossing for emergency notification information.
2. Call 911.
3. Give the location of the crossing, using all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT number, if posted.

Request a Free Presentation

Contact the Operation Lifesaver Coordinator in your state to schedule a free highway-rail safety presentation. Certified Presenters are available to speak in school classrooms, to scout groups and community service groups, for company safety programs, and to driver education students.

Become a Presenter

Please also consider joining the 3,000 volunteers across the country who have been trained to deliver Operation Lifesaver's safety message.  For more information on how you can become an Operation Lifesaver Presenter, call Operation Lifesaver, Inc. at 1-800-537-6224 or contact your State Coordinator.