Gordon Graham
Category: Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. And Today’s Tip deals with responder safety and railroad crossings. 

On-duty, you may feel the need to get to a call quickly which can influence the decision to cross a railroad crossing when a train is approaching. 

Many of us have railroad tracks in our communities. We may even cross railroad tracks routinely as part of our daily lives.  Most of us will go an entire lifetime without giving railroad crossings a second thought.

On-duty, you may feel the need to get to a call quickly which can influence the decision to cross a railroad crossing when a train is approaching. 

This is a critical decision which can have terrible consequence if the wrong decision is made. 

So, what are you supposed to do? Here are some key tips you can use: First, remember that if you pull into the path of a moving train with your apparatus or your police car, you lose!  If it’s a tie at the railroad crossing, you, your crew, your partner and your apparatus or police car won’t stand a chance. You may have heard me say before that “He who has the most lug nuts, wins.”  Trains have a LOT of lug nuts.

Second, Pre-plan your emergency routes.  Know where railroad crossings are located along your primary response routes and try to identify an alternate route that does not include a grade crossing. 

Third, Trains cannot stop quickly A train can take a mile or more to come to a complete stop. 

Finally, If you must cross a railroad crossing as part of your response, follow these tips: 

1. Slow down and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching the crossing. 
2. Look both ways before you cross the tracks. 
3. Don’t drive around lowered crossing gates. 

Collisions with trains are preventable. It’s up to you to follow the rules of grade crossing safety and follow the motto: Look, Listen, and Live! 

And that is Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.