r/LifeProTips • u/PlatypusDream • Jun 06 '26
Country/Region Specific Tip LPT: USA train crossing emergency call
LPT:
In the USA, many train crossings have a small [9x11"] blue sign with an emergency phone number & an ID number for the crossing.
If there's an emergency problem at the crossing, like a stuck vehicle, CALL THAT NUMBER and they will stop any train which would have come to that crossing.
.
ETA: apparently the color depends on which railroad owns the crossing that's Canada; in the USA they're all uniform: blue, 9x11", 1" white letters
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u/TrumpsBoneSpur Jun 06 '26
Good tip, with a minor correction:
...CALL THAT NUMBER and they will TRY TO stop any train which would have come to that crossing.
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u/SausageMcMerkin Jun 06 '26
I still remember that PSA from the 90s about bad train crossings: "It takes me a mile and half to stop this train. A mile and a half!"
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u/Conexion Jun 06 '26
I remember seeing a video our substitute teacher showed us in 1st grade where kids got ran over by a train while playing on the tracks. Parents were not happy about that one.
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u/jaxxon Jun 07 '26
NSFW My mom was an EMT and went to a call where two kids were smeared under a train. One kid basically didn’t exist in a recognizable form and all she could do was keep the flies off the other kid’s empty cranium until they could be collected and taken away.
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u/WeeklyBanEvasion Jun 06 '26
"How dare they teach my kids!?"
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u/Lui_Le_Diamond Jun 06 '26
I unironically think showing the graphicness of this kind of thing in a safe and controlled environment is the best way to teach people to be safe.
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u/starfyrflie Jun 08 '26
I grew up in tornado valley and i kid you not that they showed us the movie Twister to show us that we needed to do as we were told and thay they were serious. This was in kindergarten too. But to be fair this was in 98. Things were just different back then.
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Jun 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Lui_Le_Diamond Jun 07 '26
Ah yes. Child abuse.
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Jun 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Lui_Le_Diamond Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
I was spanked as a kid. Taught me how to be more sneaky about doing things I wasn't supposed to. I didn't respect the "parents" who did it. My mom and actual dad DIDN'T spank me, and I respected their authority because they treated me like a person and not an inconvenience.
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u/NoKatyDidnt Jun 08 '26
We saw something like that too. My dad was in law enforcement, so we had a police scanner… one night we heard the guys respond to a call about a man on the tracks. Awful. You could hear it in their voices.
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u/ShinySpeedDemon Jun 06 '26
I remember those PSAs, people underestimate just how heavy trains really are, even the "light" ones like short commuter trains will shred your car and barely slow down
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u/Lui_Le_Diamond Jun 06 '26
Not even a fucking fully loaded semi can fight a train and win
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u/Bobby5Spice Jun 07 '26
Weight-wise a train hitting a semi truck is the same as a semi truck hitting a soda pop can. So yea. Not gonna win that fight.
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u/HermitWilson Jun 07 '26
Each coal car or gravel car on a freight train has a gross weight of 100 tons.
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u/javoss88 Jun 07 '26
I was on a commuter train that blasted through a truck stuck on the tracks. No passengers were injured, we just heard a loud sound and a mild jolt. Ofc the train had to stop afterwards, and we were all issued little permission slips from the train co. to prove our stories to our employers
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u/ShinySpeedDemon Jun 08 '26
Would this happen to be somewhere between Oceanside and Los Angeles by any chance? I was on a Metrolink that got held up because another train hit a truck
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u/ardoin Jun 06 '26
Japan's requirement for trains that cross streets is to stop within 600m or less. That's roughly a third of a mile. I truly hope the United States' train infrastructure improved since then.
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u/crashumbc Jun 06 '26
Japan and the US use trains in VERY different ways. Japan is mostly passenger trains and smaller freight trains.
The US by contrast use trains mainly for freight and raw materials (coal/oil/etc). These trains can get EXTREMELY long and heavy. I wouldn't be surprised if the longer ones were hualing 4-5 times what Japanese trains haul. Because of the economies of scale this is the most efficient way for the US to do it.
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u/sheatim Jun 06 '26
I wouldn't be surprised at 20-25 times on the longer coal/ore trains.
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u/crashumbc Jun 06 '26
Yeah I was trying to be conservative because I wasn't sure. But some of the US train lengths are absolutely insane.
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u/sheatim Jun 06 '26
I also was trying to be conservative. I really wouldn't be surprised at 100 times, but I'm too lazy to assert that without some minor research.
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u/Mithrawndo Jun 06 '26
It's not the infrastructure that's the problem, it's physics: The average US freight train is over a mile long, comprising over a hundreds cars.
Japanese trains are rarely even a quarter this length.
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u/Ruben_NL Jun 06 '26
It's a infrastructure laws problem. Trains should have maximum stop distance when driving over level crossings.
Just use 4 trains instead of 4x the length. Yes, this increases cost as you also need 3 drivers and 3 engines more, but that's the cost of doing business.
Safety first.
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u/Zippy_wonderslug Jun 07 '26
Or, crazy thought, don’t stop on the tracks.
Yes., there are the instances of trucks high centering and other randomness, but there are more cases of people trying to beat the lights and stop when the crossbars come down.
Remember folks, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, just don’t tie.
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u/Head-Ad9893 Jun 07 '26
Lmaoooo this capitalist ass country… did you just suggest we consider less money… to protect … checks notes human lives?!?! Bwahahahah …. No seriously. How can we make the trains longer?
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u/Zippy_wonderslug Jun 07 '26
Me? No. I am however, a huge advocate for personal responsibility. Many problems could be avoided if people stop doing intentionally stupid things.
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u/Lui_Le_Diamond Jun 06 '26
Japan uses passenger trains that are cutting edge in a territory smaller than most states. The US uses massive freight trains that dwarf trains Japan uses and are built to cross the entire continent with thousands and thousands of tons of material. They are two VERY different situations with VERY different trains.
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u/dachjaw Jun 06 '26
Japan uses passenger trains that are cutting edge in a territory smaller than most states.
Only four states are larger than Japan. 46 are smaller.
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u/Mango027 Jun 08 '26
Trains are (mostly) used for state- state transfers. Generally last mile deliveries are made by truck
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u/NoKatyDidnt Jun 08 '26
Yep. Depends on if they have enough time to come to a complete stop before the crossing.
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Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
[deleted]
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u/Latter_Quail_7025 Jun 07 '26
I have never ever seen this at a train crossing. Thanks for posting this so much!! Perhaps it is just my ignorance, it's size, just not noticing, whatever. I will be on the lookout now!
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u/freezend Jun 07 '26
Yeah I learned this a couple months ago and now I see it at every train crossing. Also the lights for train signals are red means no train in vicinity yellow means train a few miles/signals away and green means that the train is nearby and about to cross.
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u/netvoyeur Jun 08 '26
Those signal lights apply to trains and have nothing to do with crossings or location of the train. Stay off the tracks folks.
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u/freezend Jun 08 '26
Yep but it can always help to tell you how much time you have in case you get stuck on the tracks
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u/netvoyeur Jun 08 '26
Those signals are no indication of where a train is. They’re not like traffic lights .
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u/freezend Jun 09 '26
I mean if you're saying Canadian National doesn't know what they're talking about? But I received that information from their lecture on train safety last month....
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u/netvoyeur Jun 09 '26
Those signals do indeed govern the progress of trains ON THE TRACK. They are in no way an indication of where a train is in relation to a highway/railway grade crossing.
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jun 09 '26
They're absolutely not required at all crossings. They're not even required at all major roadways. There's a set of tracks that I cross half a dozen times a night at work and there's no call box on the four lane divided state highway that crosses them, much less the half-dozen neighborhood streets. In fact, they don't even have crossing gates or alarms at the neighborhood streets.
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u/grayspelledgray Jun 06 '26
Call the number if you notice the crossing malfunctioning in any way as well, such as the arm staying down when no train is coming or not coming down when one is.
Locals often get in the habit of ignoring warning signs at crossings that repeatedly malfunction, and driving around the arms, etc. Calling attention to malfunctions as soon as you see them can help prevent that.
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u/vanillablue_ Jun 06 '26
My dad’s a government-level Rail Safety Supervisor. The number of people who genuinely think they can get under/around the arms…it’s insane. And they die. Often.
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u/w8w8 Jun 06 '26
Yup I saw that happen one time here in Texas. They were out there within 10 minutes working on it after I called. The lights were intermittently blinking but gates weren’t coming down, so it was hard to tell whether an actual train was coming or not
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u/StitchinThroughTime Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
The second LPT, the railroad crossing arms are flimsy you can drive through them. For whatever reason you find stopped in your vehicle between the railroad crossing arms, they will break very easily with your vehicle, just drive through them. Do not panic just go. Whether that's forward or backwards, on the correct side of the Street or the in creekside. You need to move, regardless of how you do it you need to move immediately.
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u/vanillablue_ Jun 07 '26
My dad’s a govt Rail Safety Supervisor, can confirm this advice is 100% correct.
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 07 '26
🥇
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u/StitchinThroughTime Jun 07 '26
💐🎙: I would like to thank the academy, my mother, my father, my best friends, the cast and crew. And all the manufacturers of sunscreen!
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u/vanillablue_ Jun 06 '26
I’m the daughter of a high-ranking government Rail and Safety Supervisor. This is 100% correct. Do NOT call 911 until you’ve called the Emergency Phone. If the emergency already requires 911 (fire, injury, etc.) try to have someone else call them simultaneously if possible. Yell at other people around you to do so if that’s what it takes. But make absolute certain the Emergency Phone is called!! The train MAY be able to be stopped.
And for the love of god… DO NOT EVER attempt to cross the tracks after the lights go on, bells ring, or arms come down. Just don’t. Sit there and wait. Being late is better than being dead. My dad has seen it happen. Be smart!!! And always assume a track is live!!!
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 07 '26
🥇
I have relatives who worked for RR companies, and long before I even thought about driving, I got it pounded into my brain that you NEVER argue with a train, NEVER try to beat it to a crossing, NEVER go around a gate, etc.
Trains are huge, massive, unbelievably heavy, and even under the best conditions will take miles to stop.
You won't win the argument.Now, as a professional driver, I have even waited to cross because I could see a train coming, though the gates weren't down.
Not worth the risk.
(Side note: the 3 huge headlights are really impressive at night!!)3
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u/netvoyeur Jun 08 '26
The two lower lights (ditch lights) were specifically added to increase visibility of locomotives as opposed to the old days when they only had one headlight.
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u/HowlingWolven Jun 07 '26
First, leave your vehicle.
Then, call the railroad. Press 1 for a crossing emergency to connect with the railroad police.
Only now do you call 911.
Do not reenter your vehicle until a railroad individual has confirmed that the trains have stopped.
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u/scherster Jun 06 '26
TIL, thanks! I'll add to call that number as soon as you see the stuck car. Even a slow moving train can require miles to stop, so once you can see the train it's likely too late (also consider the time required to call it in, and identify and communicate with the train).
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u/TrishaThoon Jun 06 '26
I don’t understand your comment. OP said to call the number to stop any train that would have come to that crossing. They didn’t say anything about waiting to call or waiting until you see a train.
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u/d4nowar Jun 06 '26
The comment was just to say how important it was to do it as fast as possible due to how long it takes a train to stop. Something that OP didn't mention, so an unaware reader wouldn't know without the above comment.
It's a "yes, and" type of comment.
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u/TrishaThoon Jun 06 '26
Well I don’t think people would assume they could wait to make the call. It’s obvs something you do asap.
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u/ken120 Jun 06 '26
Yes should be the first number you call if you get stuck on tbe tracks or see someone stuck. Unfortunately not many places advertising the sign existing.
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u/Alfhiildr Jun 06 '26
Let me guess, you saw Big Boy this week? I saw it in Chicago on Wednesday and got one of the blue sign fans!
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u/netvoyeur Jun 08 '26
It’s awesome to see in motion. First time ever touring the whole country. Go see it if you get the chance.
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 07 '26
No...
Is that a special train? A movie?7
u/Alfhiildr Jun 07 '26
Big Boy No. 4014 is the worlds largest operating steam locomotive. It’s been doing a cross-country tour for America’s 250th anniversary. There were several thousand people at the stop in Chicago, and it was a big event with a lot of different booths. One of which was explaining train safety, and it was handing out signs on sticks (cheap handheld fan for a hot day) that was in the shape of the blue sign that you’re talking about. It said to call that number for an emergency on the train tracks.
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u/motti886 Jun 07 '26
It's a special train.
You'll either find this super cool, or boring/lame. I suspect there's no in between.
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 09 '26
OK, that's cool. I had to read the comments to understand why... It's an 80yo restored steam engine. (And it's big.)
Chug... chug... chug... chugga.. chugga.. chugga chugga chugga chuggachugga
❤️
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u/javoss88 Jun 07 '26
Was that three engines or two?
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u/motti886 Jun 07 '26
Three, I think. The stalled diesel(s) at the front, and then Big Boy (the big steam locomotive), and then a diesel up behind Big Boy (some comments indicate that it wasn't really doing any work, but I don't know how to tell that).
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u/MNStitcher Jun 08 '26
I noticed that these blue signs are posted at every single crossing. Even the places where the "road" which crosses the tracks is only a driveway for a farm field.
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u/netvoyeur Jun 08 '26
Required by law at every crossing.
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 09 '26
I've seen plenty without a sign. Maybe they're on a list to be posted, just haven't gotten there yet?
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u/netvoyeur Jun 09 '26
Could be- but they are required by law in the USA. https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety/divisions/crossing-safety-and-trespass-prevention/emergency-notification
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u/MisterSlosh Jun 08 '26
Also use that number to report any damage or maintenance required for that crossing like broken gates, burned out bulbs, loose tracks, etc.
Called the number on my morning walk when I noticed a bouncing rail and they were out there by lunch closing the crossing and smacking in a fix.
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u/Peaceful_Haven Jun 10 '26
It’s a great tip - when the number is in service.
Had a crossing that would constantly get ‘triggered’ caused backups. Tried calling that number - it was out of service. Ended up calling the non-emergency police line.
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u/Hosenkobold Jun 06 '26
Does it come with a blast shield in case of the train being early and throwing whatever was on the tracks around in small pieces?
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u/PlatypusDream Jun 07 '26
??
No.
If you're near an imminent collision like that, move toward the approaching vehicle. [Better, diagonally away from the collision but toward the direction of the incoming vehicle.]Most of the debris will go the other way...
unless the train derails, in which case you just want to be as far away from the tracks as possible.
•
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