Train Crossing Safety Tips For Strongsville Residents

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville Police want residents to be a little safer around the city's train crossings. The department shared a list of safety tips and reminders over the weekend.

"We often see vehicles who fail to leave enough space to completely clear the entire railroad crossing, not just the tracks before attempting to cross. Remember, trains are at least three feet wider than the tracks on either side, so even though you clear the tracks, you may still get hit by the train," the department said in a social media post.

There were 2,105 train-vehicle collisions in 2017, according to Operation Life Saver, a nonprofit public education group dedicated to reducing train-vehicle accidents. More than 270 people died last year from train-vehicle collisions.

When crossing railroads, some common sense measures can be taken to keep everyone in a vehicle safe.

First, stay off electronic devices and keep eyes forward. It's dangerously easy to get distracted and cruiser through flashing lights. Always make sure your attention is focused on the road and crossing.

Two, wait for a train to completely clear a crossing before attempting to drive through. "It is never okay to rush across and try to beat the train. Trains may be closer and faster than you think," Safe Kids Worldwide said.

Third, only try to cross train tracks at designated crossings. Don't make your own crossing.

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