What is the penalty for running a railroad crossing?

The High Cost of Cutting Corners: Understanding Penalties for Railroad Crossing Violations

The rhythmic clang of a train bell and the flashing lights at a railroad crossing are unmistakable warnings. They’re designed to protect lives and prevent catastrophic accidents. Yet, despite the inherent danger, some drivers still risk crossing the tracks when they shouldn’t. With the recent implementation of a new rail crossing rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the consequences for ignoring these warnings have become significantly steeper, especially for commercial drivers.

The new FMCSA rule targets unsafe practices at railroad crossings, recognizing the devastating potential for collisions involving large trucks and trains. These accidents often result in severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. To deter these hazardous behaviors, the FMCSA has outlined substantial penalties for violations.

The most immediate impact of the new rule is felt by the drivers themselves. Any driver caught violating the rail crossing rule faces a civil fine of up to $2,750. This hefty penalty serves as a direct financial deterrent, forcing drivers to carefully consider the risks involved before attempting to cross tracks unsafely.

However, the responsibility doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of individual drivers. The FMCSA also holds employers accountable for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and follow safety regulations. Companies that permit or require drivers to cross tracks without adequate clearance face even more severe penalties, with fines reaching up to $11,000.

This employer penalty serves as a powerful incentive for companies to prioritize safety and implement robust training programs. These programs should emphasize the importance of adhering to railroad crossing procedures, including:

• Properly assessing the clearance: Drivers must ensure that the entire vehicle can safely clear the tracks without getting stuck.
• Obeying warning signals: Never attempt to cross tracks while lights are flashing or gates are down.
• Stopping and looking: Even if signals aren’t active, drivers should still stop, look, and listen for an approaching train before crossing.
• Understanding low-clearance crossings: Drivers must be aware of crossings that may not accommodate taller vehicles.

The FMCSA’s increased emphasis on rail crossing safety underscores the gravity of these violations. The potential consequences, both financially and in terms of human lives, are too significant to ignore. By understanding the penalties and prioritizing safe practices, drivers and employers can work together to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road and the rails. Ignoring the warnings at a railroad crossing isn’t just a traffic violation; it’s a gamble with lives and a potential financial burden that can cripple both drivers and their employers.