Guidance given for railroad tracks and crossings
In the past couple months, there have been incidents of trains and automobiles crashing at train tracks in the area.
On June 28, a train hit the rear of a vehicle on Haggerty Road in New Beaver when the vehicle became stuck on the trucks, leading to the driver to suffer injuries.
On Sept. 11, a tanker truck and a train collided at the rail crossing on Old Zelienople Road in Franklin Township.
More: Train crossing damaged in Franklin Township
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has different steps/tips for freight and commuter train crossings.
Trains always have the right of way at crossings and make sure to stop, look both ways, and listen.
The NHTSA said to make sure there is room to get across and once a driver enters the crossing, to keep moving.
Drivers are advised to stop 15 feet from flashing red lights, lowered gates, a signaling flagman or stop sign, and to never drive around a lowering gate.
They are also advised to wait for gates to fully rise and for all lights to stop flashing before beginning to cross, and to never assume there is only one train coming from a single direction.
The NHTSA said if a car stalls on a rail track to get out immediately, even if there is no train coming, run away from the tracks and vehicle, though not in the same direction a train may be coming, and to call the number on the blue emergency notification system sign, or 911 if it is not visible.
This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: Guidance given for railroad tracks and crossings
