By Cheri Sicard
Crisscrossing the U.S. in an RV means adventure, wide-open highways, and, sometimes, those unexpected railroad crossings. Many people drive or tow across tracks without a second thought, but the statistics are hard to ignore. Every three hours, a vehicle or person is hit by a train in America. More than 2,300 people are injured or killed on railroad tracks each year. Surprisingly, more than half of collisions happen where warning lights and gates are already in place. RV drivers are especially at risk because their vehicles are larger, heavier, and take much longer to stop or get moving compared to cars.
In the video at the end of this post, Jason Epperson of RV Miles shares essential train crossing safety tips that EVERY RVer should know.
The dangers of railroad crossings for RV drivers
A loaded Class A motorhome or a truck pulling a trailer can weigh 20,000 to 30,000 lbs. or more. These rigs are often four or five times longer than a car. That means more room is needed to completely clear intersections, and much more time is needed to react if something goes wrong. Braking takes longer, and the sheer size makes planning even more important.
Freight trains can weigh 12 to 20 million pounds and often pulls about 100 railroad cars. At 55 mph, it takes a train a mile or more to come to a stop after the brakes are applied. Light rail trains still need the length of about two football fields to stop. Train engineers can only hit the brakes and sound the horn—they can’t swerve like a driver might.
A locomotive is about 17 feet tall and 10 feet wide. When looked at from an angle, this massive machine seems to move slower and look farther away than it is. The parallel rails add to this trick of the eye. Trains are much quieter than expected, so at every crossing, expect the unexpected.
Many drivers grow careless at familiar crossings. Distractions like phones or music, or just the daily routine, make it easy to look but not really see. Some try to beat the train. In about 25 percent of crashes, cars actually hit the side of a train because they’re moving too fast or can’t see at night.
Essential train crossing safety tips for RV drivers
• Start slowing down at the first advance warning sign.
• Give yourself extra room for braking due to your RV’s size.
• Stay focused—turn off the radio and quiet the cabin.
• Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.
• Never drive around lowered gates or flashing signals.
• Those with manual transmissions should avoid shifting while crossing.
• Keep the RV moving and never stop on the tracks. Wait patiently if there are multiple tracks. A second train could be coming right behind the first.
• Always look and listen, and don’t just rely on the signals.
How to approach and cross railroad tracks safely
Some railroad crossings have raised tracks or are set higher than the road—perfect places for long RVs or trailers to become stuck. Using an RV-specific GPS, like a Garmin RV GPS or RV Life Pro, can help dodge risky spots. Professional RVers also cross-check with motor carrier atlases to avoid humped crossings or low bridges.
Approach at a right angle and slow down. Make sure there’s at least 15 feet of clearance between the back of your RV and the last rail on the other side before you start across. Remember, a trailer or RV’s back end can hang out farther than the axle. If traffic or a red light leaves you short on space on the other side, wait until you can fully clear the tracks.
If your RV gets hung up, get everyone out and far from the tracks right away. Find the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign and call the number listed there. Give the dispatcher the ID number from the sign. If you can’t spot it, call 911. Don’t try to save your vehicle or anything inside, just get clear.
Being prepared and paying attention at train crossings could make all the difference on your next trip. Stay safe out there, and share this info with your fellow travelers!
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RVDT2704
My brother’s son-in-law was a train engineer, and during his training they told him that it was not a matter of if, but when, he would hit and kill someone with his train. And yes, it happened. In his case, it was likely a “suicide by train”.
I don’t know why they don’t make trains “self-driving”, since they cannot stop by the time the engineer sees a problem.
“Stop – Look – Listen”: How many people/cars have you seen cross tracks with a stop sign? If memory serves, we have had 2 people killed in town by walking in front of or into a train! Many vehicle hits even in open farm country. Remember on double tracks or more, another train may be coming from the other side of the passing train and from the opposite direction!
Engineers are required to blow 2 long, a short and a long blast on the horn for xcings with or without gates, bells or lights! Be especially alert in towns with “No Horn” warning signs! Your life depends on an elect. switch. Think Amtrak at 79 mph!
Retired railroad freight operator here. Averaged one grade crossing collision per year, one vehicle fatality every 7 years and a few pedestrian trespassing fatalities. Please be careful around the tracks. Don’t be in a hurry to lose your life or others.
Thank you for sharing and summarizing the video, Cheri! Jason has a radio voice and I could listen to him read the phone book (if they still exist). I have noticed that Alaska roads that cross railroad tracks have signs indicating how far from the tracks one is when turning onto the road. Seems highly useful informarion. We rarely cross tracks, but always go slowly over them because of the change in road surface and elevation. Have a great weekend and safe travels!