About 300 collisions

occur each year at highway-railway

crossings resulting in the death

or serious injury of 100 people.

These injuries include amputations,

paralysis, severe burns,

and lacerations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STUDENT NOTES

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

– Target Audience and Goal

– Operation Lifesaver

STUDY MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

– Penalties– Other Considerations– Police Officer or Flagperson

at the Crossing – View of Tracks at Crossing – Vehicle Size and Clearance – Overhang– Reporting Hazards

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGSIGNS AND DEVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

– Passive Signs in advance of Highway-Railway Crossings

PASSIVE SIGNS IN AT HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ACTIVE DEVICES AT HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

– Tips for Motorcyclists

TRAIN FACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES ATHIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS . . . . . . . . . . . .7

REVIEW PROCEDURES AT HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS . . . . . . . . . . . 8

IF YOU GET STUCK ON THE TRACKS . . . . . . . . 9

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY FACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2

INTRODUCTION

TARGET AUDIENCE AND GOAL

T his training program illustrates the potentialdangers that await newly licensed drivers athighway-railway crossings. Brought to you

by Operation Lifesaver, the video “Newly LicensedDriver Safety at Highway Railway Crossings” andthis information package contain important safetytips that can help drivers avoid a tragedy atcrossings. The goal of this module is to reducevehicle-train collisions nationwide by bringingthis video and safety materials to newly licenseddrivers.

OPERATION LIFESAVER

Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide, non-profit public information and educationorganization dedicated to eliminating

collisions, injuries and fatalities at highway-railway crossings as well as trespassing incidentson railway rights-of-way. The program providesinformation to professional drivers, emergencyresponders and the general public. OperationLifesaver is sponsored by the Railway Associationof Canada and Transport Canada and works incooperation with many community organizations.The program has contributed significantly to morethan 60 percent reduction in collisions andcasualties since 1981, despite a nationwideincrease in train and vehicle traffic.

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PENALTIES

Provincial regulations define specific penaltiesfor driving infractions related to highway-railway crossings. Offences can result in

fines, as well as impact the driver’s record and,potentially, result in driver licence suspension. Adriver’s record can affect the cost of insurance,and may be used by employers to assess risk whenhiring or reviewing employees.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Police Officer or Flagperson at the CrossingIf a police officer or properly identified railwayflagperson is at the crossing, obey directions.Remember, however, that you are not relieved ofthe responsibility to ensure your personal safety;you must confirm that it is safe to cross thetracks by looking and listening for the approachof a train.

View of Tracks at CrossingsDo not attempt to cross the tracks unless you cansee far enough down the track to ensure that notrains are approaching. Be especially careful atcrossings without gates, flashing lights or bell.Even if there are active warning signals and theydo not indicate that a train is approaching, youmust LOOK and LISTEN to be sure it is safe toproceed.

Vehicle Size and ClearanceAs you approach a crossing, watch for trafficwhich may be queued on the other side; payattention to the amount of room available foryour vehicle. Always ensure that you can com-pletely clear the crossing surface with enoughroom to spare.

OverhangKnow the length of your vehicle and allow foroverhang; many drivers do not realize that whilestopped, their vehicle may be hanging over therails. Remember that the train will be at least ametre wider than the rails on both sides.

Reporting HazardsWhen a condition occurs at a highway-railwaycrossing that may be dangerous to highway or railtraffic, attempt to contact the appropriateauthorities. Many railway companies postemergency numbers prominently at crossings. Ifthis is not the case, report the unsafe conditionto local police or call 911. Always ensure thatyou, and others in the area, are safely away fromthe danger first!

STUDY MATERIAL

4

P assive signs and active traffic control devicesare installed along the roads near the railwaytracks to inform of traffic regulations, warn of

road characteristics and provide traffic information.They warn drivers in advance of the presence of agrade crossing to the possibility of an approachingtrain. These signs and devices remind a driver oftheir responsibilities regarding highway-railwaycrossings. What follows is a list of various signsand devices that you may see in connection withhighway-railway crossings.

PASSIVE SIGNS IN ADVANCE OFHIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

These are non-mechanical signs that warn themotorist that the road ahead crosses the railwaytracks. These signs tell you to slow down, look andlisten because you may have to stop.

1. Railway Crossing Ahead Sign warns drivers that the road crosses railway tracks ahead. It reminds the driver to slow down, LOOK and LISTEN for a train and be prepared to stop if atrain is approaching. There may be an advisory speed tab erected below the advance warning sign to show that the safe road speed is less than the posted speed. The Railway Crossing Ahead Sign also advises the driver of the approximate angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.

2. Pavement Markings consist of an "X" and/orStop Line that may be painted on the pavementat the approach to highway-railway crossings. Ongravel roads there are no Pavement Markings orStop Lines. The driver must stop no closer thanfive metres from the nearest rail.

3. Railway Crossing Ahead Sign also used to identify highway-railway crossings located immediately after making either a right or a left turn.

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGSIGNS AND DEVICES

5

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGSIGNS AND DEVICES (cont’d)

PASSIVE SIGNS ATHIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

1. The Railway Crossing Sign (Crossbuck) is the most common sign displayed at public highway-railway crossings. It has two crossed red and white boards. It marks the crossing andis the same as a YIELD sign.

If there is more than one track, a sign below the Crossbuck indicates the number of tracks present. After one train has passed, LOOKand LISTEN for another train approaching from either direction. Be especially careful at crossings without gates, flashing lights or bell. Always expect a train.

2. The STOP sign at a highway-railway crossingmeans that a driver must always STOP no closerthan five metres from the nearest rail. A drivermust YIELD the right-of-way to a train.

3. The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign varies fromprovince to province; it reminds the driver notto stop on the railway track for any reason.

YIELD

STOP

Drivers may encounter various important“WARNING SIGNS”

not uniformly recognized across Canada. Heed the warning and be familiar

with their location.

6

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGSIGNS AND DEVICES (cont’d)

ACTIVE DEVICES AT HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

These are mechanical devices that warn of anapproaching train.

1. Flashing Red Lights - with or without bell -warn of an approaching train. When the redlights are flashing, a train is approaching. STOPand wait for the train to pass. Proceed onlywhen the lights - and bell - have stopped, thetrain has passed, and you can continue safely.If there is more than one track, make sure allthe tracks are clear before crossing.

2. Flashing Red Lights - with bell and gates -are used to close the road when a train approaches. STOP when the lights and bell are activated and prior to the gates lowering acrossyour side of the road. Remain stopped until thegates are fully raised and the lights stop flashing.

It is illegal to go around the gates; doing so may make the driver legally liable for any deaths,injuries and/or damage to property.

Special Circumstances

Watch for vehicles that must stop at highway-rail-way crossings. Be prepared to STOP when you arefollowing buses or trucks that may be required,either by law or company policy, to stop.

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS:

Railway tracks are extremely slippery. For theirown safety, motorcyclists are urged to be particu-larly aware of ADVANCE WARNING signs becausethese advise motorists of the approximate angleat which the tracks meet the road.

To avoid injury, motorcyclists should attempt tocross the tracks at a minimum angle of 45degrees. In fact, every effort should be made tocross the tracks as close to a 90 degree angle aspossible. Stay in your own lane and be aware thatthe traffic behind you may not have to slow downas much as you do.

Be aware of a possible bump and avoidturning or braking while on the tracks.

Like other drivers, you should slow down and approach the tracks at a speed that will allow you to stop safely if necessary.

1. Slow down and approach at a speed at which you can safely stop, if required.

2. Roll down the window.

3. Turn off the radio.

4. Ask passengers to be quiet.

5. Listen for the train.

6. Look both ways. Make sure to look around obstructions such as mirrors and windshield pillars.

7. If you must stop, stop no closer than five metres (15 feet) from the nearest rail.

7

• A train travelling 90 km/h travels 25 metres persecond. Remember: the train is at least a metrewider than the rails on each side.

• Trains cannot stop quickly; an average freighttrain of 100 cars, weighing approximately 8,000tonnes and travelling 100 km/h, can take up totwo kilometres to stop after an emergencybrake application.

• Passenger trains, either light rail or intercity,cannot stop quickly. Some passenger trains cantravel up to 160 km/h. In an emergency, it cantake as much as two kilometres to stop.

• When stopped at a crossing, you may experi-ence an optical illusion as you look down thetracks. The train may appear to be farther awayand travelling slowly. In reality, the train canbe much closer and going quite fast. Don't mis-judge a train's speed and distance. When indoubt, WAIT for the train to pass.

TRAIN FACTS

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES ATHIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

Remember: Trains can appear from eitherdirection and on any track.

8

REVIEW PROCEDURES AT HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

RESUMING TRAVEL

• Ensure that no other trains are approaching and that the tracks are known to be clear.

• At an active highway-railway crossing, remainstopped until the gates are fully raised andthe lights stop flashing.

• Before resuming, make sure there is enoughroom on the other side of the track for yourvehicle.

• If the red lights begin to flash after starting over the tracks, KEEP GOING.

DRIVING HAZARDS

• Some collisions occur when motorists run intoa train that is already occupying a crossing, especially during hours of darkness. Do not overdrive your headlights (meaning - at a speed which will not permit you to stop in the distance illuminated by your headlights). Be especially alert for advance warning signs. Look for the retro-reflectorized crossing signs as well as elements on railway equipment and be prepared to stop.

• Road and weather conditions require extra caution. Be especially alert for advance warning signs and be prepared to stop.

• Be aware of other road users; cyclists and users of wheeled mobility devices move slowerand may require additional room when traversing the crossing. School buses and other vehicles may be required to stop.

• Maximize alertness. Avoid distractions such as cellular phones, drinking or eating while driving.

TAKE TIME TO CROSS SAFELY

A Railway Crossing Sign means you mustyield to an approaching train.

9

IF YOU GET STUCK ON THE TRACKS ….

1. Get Out And Stay Out - Get out immediately. Move quickly at least 30 metres away from the track. This will reduce the chances of being struck by flying debris if the train hits the stalled vehicle.

2. Look For The Emergency Number - Contact the railway. Emergency numbers are often foundon either crossing posts, behind a crossing sign or on a signal box.

3. Call The Emergency Number - If there is no posted emergency number, call 911 or the localemergency number immediately.

4. Get Help Fast - If you don't have a phone, flagsomeone down.

5. Don't Expect To Stop A Train By Waving -Trains can't stop quickly. Moving at 100km/h, they can take up to two kilometres to stop.

Most highway-railway crossing collisions occur within

40 kilometres from home.

10

HIGHWAY-RAILWAY CROSSING FACTS

Look, Listen, & Live!

1. Nearly 100 people are killed or seriouslyinjured in approximately 300 highway-railwaycrossing collisions annually.*

2. A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in acollision with a train than in a collisioninvolving another motor vehicle.

3. In most years, more people die in collisionswith trains than in commercial airlinecrashes, according to Transportation SafetyBoard of Canada statistics.

4. Approximately 50 percent of collisions at public highway-railway crossings occur whereactive warning devices have been installed.

5. There are approximately 45,000 highway-railway crossings in Canada.

6. The majority of vehicle-train collisions occur when the train is travelling less than 50 km/h.

SOURCES:

Direction 2006Operation LifesaverTransport CanadaTransportation Safety Board of Canada

*Based on Transportation Safety Board of Canada data. Forupdates, check the Transportation Safety Board of Canadawebsite: www.tsb.gc.ca

Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide, non-profit public information and education organization dedicated

to eliminating collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-railway crossings and trespassing on railway rights-of-way.

Contact Operation Lifesaver to schedule a free highway-railway safety presentation. Certified Presenters are available to speak to

school classes, youth groups, community service groups, driver education students, and at company safety programs.

Please also consider joining the 600 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, write or visit our website.

OPERATION LIFESAVER99 Bank Street, Suite 1401Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6B9Telephone: 613-564-8100

Fax: 613-567-6726E-mail: admin@operationlifesaver.ca

www.operationlifesaver.ca

Railway Association ofCanada99 Bank Street, Suite 1401Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6B9613-567-8591www.railcan.ca

Transport CanadaRail Safety BranchTower C, Place de Ville330 Sparks StreetOttawa, Ontario K1A 0N51-888 267-7704www.tc.gc.ca/railway

Transportation Safety Board of CanadaPlace du Centre, 4th Floor200 Promenade du PortageHull, Quebec K1A 1K8 819-994-3741www.tsb.gc.ca

Canada Safety Council1020 Thomas Spratt PlaceOttawa, Ontario K1G 5L5613-739-1535www.safety-council.org

OTHER RESOURCES

99 Bank Street, Suite 1401, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6B9613-564-8100 operationlifesaver.ca

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