Don’t slide into the tracks this winter!

October 23, 2013

The leaves are changing colour at a rapid pace and the bite of winter is in the air – before you know it the first big, fat white flakes of winter will be falling. There’s no better time than right now to prepare yourself and your vehicle to face Old Man Winter’s wrath. In fact, October is Car Safety Month. As you prepare your car to face winter conditions, also take the time to review what you need to do to ensure slippery roads and blustery conditions don’t have you sliding into or in front of an oncoming train.

Winter driving rail safety tips

Black ice, frosted windows and snowy conditions make winter driving a challenge. Here are some tips to keep you alive when you encounter train tracks this winter:

Test your skills by taking the train safety quiz to determine just how much you know about driving around railroad tracks and crossings. You might be in need of a refresher.
Ensure you always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance of your headlights – so you have a clear view of the road ahead of you. This is especially important when road conditions are slippery and when driving at night. Always slow down well in advance of a highway-railway crossing.
Turn off the radio and heating fans so that you can listen for a train. Roll down the window if it’s frosty or foggy and your vision is impaired. Look both ways and listen for a train.
Be especially alert for advance warning signals and be prepared to stop. Snow may make train tracks look like the road – be alert to where the tracks are so you avoid making a deadly turn. Look for the retro-reflectorized crossing signs as well as elements on railway equipment.

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This winter make sure that the due diligence you show your vehicle you also apply to yourself when it comes to driving on the roads and around the tracks.

Check out the Public Rail Safety Guide for more tidbits to ensure you have a fun-filled and rail safe winter.