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When a train crushes a car, it's equivalent to
the force with which a car crushes a pop can.
A typical train weighs the same as 4,000 automobiles combined.
About two-thirds of all collisions at crossings in the United States happen
in daylight.
A motorist is 30 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than
in a collision involving another vehicle.
Most vehicle-train crashes occur within 25 miles of the motorist's home.
The majority of highway-rail crashes occur when a train is traveling less
than 30 MPH.
Approximate stopping distance:
150-car freight train
at
![]() 30 MPH = 3,500 feet or 2/3
of a mile
 50 MPH = 8,000 feet or 1 1/2 (1.5) miles
8-car passenger train at
60
MPH = 3,500 feet or 2/3 of a mile
79 MPH = 6,000 feet or 1 1/8 (1.125) miles
United States Statistics
Approximately every two hours, either a motor vehicle or a pedestrian is
struck by a train in the United States. That's 12 incidents each day!
In 2002, 356 people were killed and 998 were seriously injured in 3,072
highway-rail grade crossing collisions.
In 2002, 540 people were killed while trespassing on railroad right-of-way
and property. An additional 394 trespassers were injured.
Nearly 50% of crashes at public crossing occur where active warning devices
(flashing gates or lights) are present.
There are about 250,000 public and private highway-rail grade
crossings.
For more information on the United States and state specific statistics go to
www.oli.org. Always check your state laws.
Minnesota Statistics
In 2002, 11 people were killed and 30 injured in 82 highway-rail grade
crashes in Minnesota.
In 2002, in Minnesota, 10 people were killed while trespassing on railroad
right-of way and property. An additional 2 trespassers were injured.
Minnesota Laws
You must yield at all railroad crossings.
If lights are flashing, stop and proceed if a train is not visible.
It is illegal to go around crossings gates.
You must stop at all railroad crossings if a train is visible, and stay
stopped until the train has passed.
School buses and commercial buses are required to stop at all railroad
crossings whether carrying passengers or not. While stopped, the driver must
open the driver's window and service door to look and listen in both directions
along the track for any approaching train.
Trucks carrying hazardous materials are required to stop at all grade
crossings. Drivers should make a safe, gradual stop to minimize the possibility
of causing another crash.
It is considered trespassing and illegal to be on private property which is
used in railroad operation (i.e. walking on tracks).
Sources:
Federal Railroad Administration
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver
Inc.
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