A highway-rail grade crossing is an intersection where a road, sidewalk, or pathway meets railroad tracks at the same level; gates, lights, signs, and crossing conditions should be treated as safety information, not as a conclusion about responsibility.

Crossing controls vary

The Federal Railroad Administration’s grade-crossing safety overview describes warning devices including passive crossbucks, flashing lights and gates. A public or private crossing, its controls, visibility, maintenance, and local conditions can all differ.

Use the emergency notification information

The FRA explains that a blue-and-white Emergency Notification System sign at a grade crossing provides a railroad emergency contact number and a crossing identification number. In an emergency or an unsafe condition, communicate the location and nature of the event to the appropriate emergency or railroad contact rather than attempting to cross or investigate the tracks.

Preserve information after an event

Record only what you can observe from a safe, lawful location after emergency needs are addressed. Do not enter the tracks, go around a lowered gate or approach a stopped train to obtain a photograph or identification number. If the crossing number is not safely visible, explain the location using information you already have.

  • The crossing location, crossing identification number, signs, signals, gates, weather, lighting, and roadway conditions
  • Photos, video, report details, train or vehicle information, and witness contact information
  • Emergency-response, medical, repair, insurance, and communication records
  • The original records and dates rather than a reconstructed account

Sources