IrecentlY tAUGHT THREE WORKshops on reducing line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) from apparatus accidents while responding to and returning from calls. As I researched recent fire apparatus accidents for my lectures, I was surprised to see the number of train vs. emergency vehicle accidents that have occurred over the past few years.
I thought it was a no-brainer that trains and emergency vehicles do not mix at a crossing, but we can no longer assume that all drivers of emergency vehicles have the same respect for the dangers at a rail crossing that many of us have been taught while growing up. It is also clear to me that many of our personnel do not have the understanding of how trains or railroads operate so they can make good decisions while responding and returning. If we are going to reduce LODDs while responding or returning, we must incorporate training about railroad crossings in our regular apparatus driver training programs. Even if you do not have rail lines in your district or response area, you should still include this training for your drivers, because, as you know, your next mutual-aid run or “move up” could be minutes away.
 (1) North Carolina aerial struck by train while returning from incident. (Photos by author.) |
Don’t assume your drivers understand trains. As a child watching the television show “Petticoat Junction,” I learned that everybody in Hooterville could set his or her watch by the train schedule: The 6:15 p.m. was always right on time. In today’s world, this could not be further from the truth. Your drivers must understand that “any time is train time” and nobody can predict when a train is coming through. Many of us work day after day in the same response area; however, rail carriers share rail lines. You may be accustomed to a certain train’s coming through a crossing at a certain time daily; however, a different rail carrier may route through unexpectedly. Never assume you know the schedule. Also, do not assume that your drivers understand how trains function.
The average train is 100 cars long and weighs 10,000 tons. Even your largest heavy rescue or aerial ladder is no match for a 100-car train. At 30 mph with full emergency braking, it will take two-thirds of a mile to fully stop the train. At 50 mph, it would take 1.5 miles to fully stop the train, as opposed to 400 to 500 feet on dry pavement to stop your apparatus. The train operator is not a mind reader. As the engineer approaches the rail crossing and sees your apparatus there, he can only assume that you see the train and will stop. There is no steering wheel on a train. The train follows the track, and the operator cannot take any evasive actions if your apparatus pulls out in front of the train. Only the fire apparatus driver can prevent disaster at the crossing.
RAIL CROSSING SAFETY TIPS
Here are some key points for safely crossing railroad tracks in your apparatus. Incorporate them into your next drill or training session.
• Plan alternate routes. If you have rail lines in your response area or district, your drivers should plan alternate routes. The best way to avoid train/apparatus accidents is to avoid the crossings altogether. Alternate routes are also helpful in reducing response times to incidents. Having your sole aerial apparatus held up by a train during a confirmed structure fire can significantly hamper your fireground efforts. Alternate routes will prove beneficial during scenarios like this.
• Pay attention to all signs and signals. Signs, cross bucks, pavement markings, lights, and bells mark most crossings well in advance. These are the signs of life. Make sure your drivers pay attention to all of these indicators. If you have a line in your area and the lights and gates malfunction often, report this to the rail line. Never assume that the equipment is malfunctioning and proceed across the tracks. Call for police assistance if you are stuck at a malfunctioning crossing. If there is a dead crossing in your area, make sure you put pressure on the rail line to pave over the tracks and remove all signs and markings.
 (2) Arkansas ambulance struck by train while transporting a patient. |
• Know the length of the apparatus you are driving. Many accidents involving trains and vehicles at the crossing do not occur because the vehicle driver tried to beat the train. Often, drivers follow other vehicles across the tracks only to get caught on the tracks when vehicles ahead of them stop. Make sure before you proceed across the tracks that there is enough room on the other side of the tracks to get your entire vehicle fully off the tracks. Pay close attention to the traffic ahead of you; if there is a traffic signal after the tracks, watch its cycle so it does not go to “red” before you get over. Pay close attention to multiple sets of tracks. If you are waiting for one train to pass through, do not jackrabbit start across the tracks until you are absolutely sure another train is not coming on the other set of tracks.
• Ditch the rig; it is your only choice. If you are stuck on the tracks because of stopped vehicles in front of you and a train is approaching, you have only one choice and very little time to decide what to do. My recommendation is always to evacuate and sacrifice the vehicle. Exit the vehicle as quickly as possible, and run to an area approximately 100 feet away from the rig. Be sure to look at the direction in which the train is traveling and where your apparatus will be thrown if it is struck. Run in the opposite direction to ensure your and your crew’s safety. If the vehicles ahead are smaller than your apparatus, you might attempt to push the vehicles out of your way. I do not advise this, because there are too many risks and you can cause serious injuries. If there are vehicles behind your apparatus, backing off the tracks is not an option either. The height of the tailboard on modern-day fire apparatus combined with the low hood slope of many passenger vehicles on the highway may cause your apparatus to back up on the hood of the vehicle behind you. This could raise your rear drive wheels off the road surface enough to stop your ability to back up the apparatus to safety. Backing up could also cause serious injuries to passengers in the vehicles behind you.
• You cannot estimate the speed of oncoming trains. Have you ever gone to the airport to watch large planes land? Large 737 or 747 aircraft appear to almost float toward the runway when landing. The truth is that these aircraft are doing approximately 150 miles per hour or greater. The same concept is true with trains. The steady headlight on the front of the locomotive may appear not to even be moving as you look down the tracks; however, the approaching train may be doing in excess of 55 miles per hour.
• Teach drivers to follow these basic steps for all railroad crossings. When approaching active railroad crossings, activate your four-way flashers. If so equipped, you can also activate arrow stick-type flashers to signal motorists behind you that your vehicle may be doing something different from normal at the tracks. Come to a complete stop. Roll down cab windows, and turn off sirens, horns, heat or air-conditioning fans, and loud radios. Driver and crew should take a moment and look approximately 1,000 feet down the tracks in both directions and listen for sounds-such as air horns and rail and engine sounds-that indicate a train is approaching. When you are sure it is safe to do so, proceed over the tracks quickly and fully. If you are driving a fire apparatus with a manual transmission, do not shift gears until your apparatus is fully across the tracks. If you miss a gear and have to begin your shift pattern again, this could cost you valuable time.
Make every effort to incorporate this information into your driver training programs. Remember to teach your drivers to look, listen, and live. We must commit to taking any reasonable steps to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries from motor vehicle accidents while responding and returning. ■
MICHAEL P. DALLESSANDRO is a 22-year veteran of the volunteer fire service and a life member of the Grand Island (NY) Fire Company, serving on its board of directors. He is an experienced conference speaker and trainer for the fire service and the public transportation industry, a certified commercial vehicle driver trainer, and a public school administrator.
