Ask a Trooper: Can You Cross Railroad Tracks When You See a Train Coming?

Last week I was asked to ride with the Ann Arbor Railroad in Operation Lifesaver. This program promotes public safety through education and enforcement of crossing violations.

My first thought was, “Is this really a problem?” Well I found out it was. As I rode the train, I was amazed to see vehicle upon vehicle crossing in front of the 
train even as it was bearing down on the track. 

One person even cut in front of the train on a bicycle. WOW, a bicycle -- really. The conductors told me stories of close calls and bad accidents. It was an eye opener, so I share this with you this week.

Michigan Vehicle Code 257.667 (1) states, “when a person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the following circumstances, the driver shall stop the vehicle not more than 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely:

a. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train. 
b. A crossing gate is lowered or a flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach of a railroad train.
c. A railroad train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing gives a signal audible from the distance, and the train by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing is an immediate hazard.
d. An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.

(2) The person shall not drive a vehicle through, around, or under a crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed or against the direction of a police officer.” 

Remember if you see, hear, or are warned of a train's approach, stop, wait, and allow the train to clear the crossing. Is where you are going, really worth the few minutes it takes to wait for the train? 

I tell people this all the time at an accident. A bumper can be buffed, a scratch can be painted, a vehicle can be fixed, but the one thing I cannot do … is replace the one and only you.

If you have a questions or comments please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI 48116.