(WKYT) – A person or vehicle is hit by a train around every three hours in the U.S., according to the KYTC.
The KYTC says most of the deaths caused by collisions are caused by risky driving and poor decision-making.
Of the 130,000 U.S. public railroad crossings, roughly 54% are active with warning devices like gates, bells or flashing lights, but 46% are passive. The passive crossings only have signs and markings, according to the KYTC.
The KYTC reports that 60% of all railroad crossing collisions happen where active warning devices are present, and nearly 19% of these collisions occur when a vehicle hits the side of a train that is already crossing.
Drivers are required to stop completely at least 15 feet from a train track if the following conditions are present, the KYTC says:
- Flashing red lights are activated
- A crossing gate is lowered
- A flagman signals to stop
- A stop sign is posted
- A train is clearly visible or the whistle can be heard
More train safety tips are available on the KYTC’s website.
