RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation reminded drivers to be safe at railroad crossings as part of Thursday’s International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2019.
NCDOT’s BeRailSafe program hosted a crossing blitz Thursday in Gibsonville to educate drivers about the dangers of not stopping for trains. The crossing blitz is like a license check, as drivers were provided with rail safety driving tips and railroad safety crossing data.
North Carolina reported 57 of the 2,214 collisions nationwide between trains and vehicles in 2018. This year, there have been 22 railroad crossing crashes in the Tar Heel state.
NCDOT’s BeRailSafe program wants drivers to remember the following lifesaving tips when approaching a railroad crossing:
• Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.
• Trains always have the right-of-way, even when emergency and law enforcement vehicles are involved.
• Always stop your vehicle when crossing gates are down or lights are flashing. Never try to drive around the gate.
• Never stop your car on railroad tracks. When approaching an intersection at railroad tracks, keep your car safely behind the white lines.
• Never race a train to a crossing.
Now in its 11th year, International Level Crossing Awareness Day aims to prevent collisions between vehicles and trains at railroad crossings.
BeRailSafe works with North Carolina Operation Lifesaver, railroads and other safety stakeholders to educate children, teens and adults on the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks, property and equipment.
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