Iowa Department of Transportation

Dec. 26, 2006

For more information, contact:
Operation Lifesaver
515-291-2492
iowa4ol@mchsi.com

Winter driving and rail crossing safety

AMES, Iowa – Winter driving requires motorists and pedestrians to be alert to dangerous conditions. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the safety education group Iowa Operation Lifesaver (Iowa OL) urge Iowans to use common sense and follow a few safety tips to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities.

During the holidays many travelers may be using unfamiliar roads, which may be even more dangerous when covered with packed snow or ice. Using extra care while driving, and especially when approaching a railroad crossing, could mean the difference between a joyous or tragic new year. Federal Railroad Administration reports show that 1,400 Americans were killed or injured in vehicle-train collisions in 2004, and more than 840 pedestrian rail trespass deaths and injuries occurred nationwide. This means that approximately every two hours a person or vehicle is struck on the tracks in America .

Tips for safe winter driving near railroad crossings

Slow down. Speed kills. It takes longer to stop and start on snow covered roads. Driving too fast on ice and snow is dangerous and possibly deadly. At a railroad crossing, watch for the advanced warning sign (a round yellow sign with the letters RXR) and be prepared to stop before crossing the track(s).
Always stop at least 15 feet before the railroad crossing. Be careful on icy roads to make sure you will not slide onto the tracks.
Make visibility a priority. Clean off all snow and ice that might block your vision, including snow on the roof and hood that can slide or blow onto the windshield of your car or onto the cars behind you.
When approaching a railroad crossing, listen carefully for an oncoming train. Snow can muffle the sound of an approaching train. Crack the window, and turn down the volume on the radio.
Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning the tires and fishtailing. If the rails on the crossing are slick, a slow, steady momentum will help avoid slipping and sliding.
Pay attention to the signals and/or signs at railroad crossings. If the lights or gates appear to be malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number listed at or near the crossing to notify the railroad or contact the local law enforcement agency.
If your vehicle gets stuck at a railroad crossing, get out quickly and move away from the track. Your car or truck can be replaced, but a life is priceless. Call the local law enforcement agency or the railroad and report your vehicle's location.
Before making travel plans, check multiple sources like the Iowa DOT's Web site at 511ia.org, or local news on TV, for information, especially in winter weather when travel might become hazardous.

About Iowa Operation Lifesaver

Iowa Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit safety education group whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way. While the number of fatalities has been reduced significantly in the 33 years Operation Lifesaver has been making safety presentations across America , there is still work to be done.

Iowa OL's certified presenters are trained to give free safety talks to community groups, schools, school bus drivers, truck drivers, and community organizations to raise awareness of the need for caution around railroad tracks and trains. More information can be found at Iowa OL's Web site iowaoperationlifesaver.org.

For more information regarding Iowa OL or to schedule a free presentation, contact the Iowa OL state coordinator at iowa4ol@mchsi.com or 515-291-2492.

News Release