You would probably be surprised how many drivers try to “beat the train” when they are approaching a railroad crossing. In 2002 alone, more than 3,000 collisions occurred between trains and cars because the car drivers were simply careless when crossing the railroad tracks.
One of the reasons so many drivers think they can “beat the train” is because the train creates an optical illusion that looks like it is not moving as fast as it is. As such, many drivers think they have more time to cross the tracks than they really do. By the time the train gets closer, it’s too late to turn around and many times, they do not even have enough time to get out of the way.
Your Trenton area Audi dealer wants you to stay safe at railroad crossings. Here are a few tips to accomplish that goal:
• If the gates are down and the signals indicate that a train is coming, simply wait until it completely passes and the gates go back up.
• After a train passes, look both ways before proceeding across the tracks.
• If you get stuck on the tracks for some reason and a train is approaching, abandon your car and run towards the train. The collision will send debris your way if you run the same direction as the train so it is best to go the opposite way.