(KIWA Staff Photo)Statewide Iowa (RI) — Many thousands of Iowa motorists roll over railroad tracks every day without thinking much about them, but a new campaign, “See Tracks, Think Train,” is designed to make drivers pay more attention, especially in those danger zones. Amanda Martin is executive director of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Rail Team, which just wrapped up Rail Safety Week.
Martin offers several tips: never drive around, under, or through lowered crossing gates or flashing red lights. Look both ways after a train passes, as a second train may have been hidden coming from the opposite direction. Don’t try to cross the tracks unless there’s room for your vehicle on the other side. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out right away, move to a safe distance, and call the emergency number posted on the crossing sign or 911.
There is a blue sign mounted at every rail crossing that lists an 800-number as well as a seven-digit number/letter combination that identifies the location. Martin says to use that number immediately if you are in a dangerous situation or spot one on or near the tracks.
The DOT says the state averages almost 60 railroad crossing crashes every year, about a third of which result in injuries. Between July of last year and June of this year, there were five railroad crashes that resulted in deaths.
