Q-1. I live near a railroad crossing, and I am constantly being disturbed by loud horns as trains pass through the crossing. Is there anything that can be done to limit the sound level of these horns?

A. A major aspect of improving rail safety is enacting and enforcing regulations requiring safe practices by train and motor vehicle operators, as well as pedestrians. In August 2006, FRA issued a rule requiring trains to sound their horns when approaching public crossings. It also set guidelines for communities to develop safe alternatives to the train horn. For background and a copy of the ruling, please check the FRA website or click horn rule.

Q-2. Where can I find statistics on accidents and incidents at highway-rail grade crossings?

A. For information regarding crossing accidents, please click safety statistics.

Q-3. I am late to work because of trains that block railroad crossings. Is there a law or regulation that prevents trains from doing this?A. For information on blocked crossings, please click blocked xings.

Q-4. It is often difficult to see trains going through highway-rail intersections at night. Why don’t trains have a reflective strip on their side to improve visibility?

A. For information on reflectors for rail freight rolling stock, please click on reflect.

Q-5. I have heard of many highway-rail crossing accidents where a car drove around the crossing gates. Why doesn’t the FRA require the use of two gates on each side so cars cannot go around?

A. Preliminary studies are being done on four-quadrant gate crossings at several locations across the country. The initial results look promising. Moreover, preliminary results of studies in North Carolina and Washington indicate that medians, which allow cars to be channeled through the crossings, greatly reduce the number of motorists that drive around lowered gates.

Q-6. Why doesn’t the FRA require stop signs at all highway-rail grade crossings?

A. The installation of stop signs at grade crossings is an excellent idea, and one that FRA strongly endorses. Together with the Federal Highway Administration, we have been actively encouraging the States to adopt this. FRA is currently establishing a technical working group to deal with issues at highway-rail grade crossings. Installing stop signs will certainly be discussed and considered.

On March 17, 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a memorandum to clarify current guidance regarding the use of STOP or YIELD signs at passive grade crossings. You can find this memorandum on the FHWA website at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.