Tips for Law Enforcement Officers

When motorists disregard signs, lights, bells, and gates at highway-rail grade crossings, the consequences are often deadly.  A collision involving a vehicle and a train is twenty times more likely to result in a fatality than a crash involving motor vehicles.

As law enforcement officers, the odds are you will respond to these incidents. Being familiar with railroad terminology and operations is of paramount importance as you consider your safety and the safety of others. The following tips may save your life and reduce the chance of making the situation worse.

Investigation of Vehicle/Train Collision

• When approaching a highway-rail grade crossing collision, do not stop your car on or near the tracks.
  
• Be aware hazardous materials may be involved.  With the condutor's assistance, ascertain from the train's consist and bills of lading what materials are being transported.  For expert advice on hazardous materials call CHEM-TREC at 1-800-424-9300.
  
• Protect yourself, the scene, witnesses and approaching vehicles. Care for the injured as in any other crash scene.
  
• If multiple tracks are present, be aware train traffic may continue to pass on unaffected tracks.
• Obtain operator information from the conductor and engineer.  The engineer's certification card and employee identification may be available.  A state motor vehicle operator's license is not required to operate a train.
• Do not climb on, crawl under or over the rail cars or engine without the knowledge of the crew and only if you have had specific training.  Trains have unseen moving parts that can seriously injure or kill you.
• Look for evidence of suicide. The motor vehicle may be in park or neutral and the emergency brake may be set.  Check to see if the keys are in the ignition, and inspect the roadway for signs of skid marks prior to impact.
• Record the lead locomotive's engine number, and the total number of rail cars and engines.  If rail cars are stopped at the crossing, obtain their identification numbers as well.
• Before releasing the train, determine that the locomotive's headlight, alerting (ditch) lights, horn and bell were in operating condition.
• Record the U.S. DOT crossing number. This will be found on the signal gate, sign post, or on the crossing bungalow.
• All locomotives operating over 30 miles per hour are equipped with an event recorder.  This instrument samples and records speed, time, braking and other vital information.  Railroad officials will assist investigating officers in obtaining this information as needed.
• If the crossing is equipped with active warning devices (lights, bells, gates), observe if they are working.  Also, check to see if passive warning devices (crossbucks, advance warning signs, and pavement markings) are in place.
• Locate witnesses, and take detailed statements from each.  Include their observations of the active or passive warning devices and the actions of the motor vehicle operator.
• The local railroad police or company officer will assist you in the investigation.  He or she is familiar with train operations and is a valuable resource.
  

General Information

• The approach of a train triggers "active warning devices" (flashing red lights, bells, and gates).  They begin operating at least 20 seconds before the arrival of the fastest train on that line.
  
• In case of electrical or mechanical failure, active warning devices are designed to default to the fail-safe or "active" mode.
  
• If active warning devices fail-safe or appear to be malfunctioning, or their view is obstructed, report it to the appropriate railroad immediately.
  
• Enforcing trespass laws can alleviate vandalism and save lives. Vandals have been responsible for causing signal malfunctions that cause collisions.
  

If you have questions about engineering, regulatory, or operating issues, contact the appropriate railroad, highway authority, state department of transportation or the Federal Railroad Administration.

For information on Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Courses, contact your State Operation Lifesaver Coordinator.

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.