Snow mounds and slick road conditions make dangerous conditions at roadway intersections and rail crossings

AMES, Iowa – Jan. 6, 2010 – 5:00 p.m. – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa Operation Lifesaver (OL) urge motorists to use extra caution at roadway intersections and rail crossings where a driver's view may be obstructed by snow mounds or slick road conditions exist.

The Iowa DOT and Iowa OL remind drivers that all highway/railroad crossings are marked with crossbucks, which are the same as yield signs, and some crossings may also be marked with a stop sign or yield sign.

 

"Drivers should approach rail crossings with extra caution during the winter when snow mounds may be obstruct the view of an approaching train," President of Iowa Operation Lifesaver Francis Edeker. "They should also be alert for icy road conditions near the crossing to avoid sliding into a train."

 

Tamara Nicholson, director of the Iowa DOT's Office of Rail Transportation, says, "Drivers should allow additional stopping distance. Although trains are larger than most snow drifts or mounds, it can be difficult to see approaching trains when a driver's view is obstructed." 

 

Driving tips

• Stop. Motorists should not continue into a crossing or intersection until they are certain it is safe to do so, and then proceed with caution.
• Slow down. Everything takes longer on snow- or ice-covered roads.
• Speed kills. On "Ice and Snow ... Take It Slow." Watch for an advanced railroad crossing warning sign, so you can stop before the crossing.
• Concentrate on the driving task. Hang up the cell phone and take off the headphones.
• Know your vehicle’s braking system. If you have anti-lock brakes, do not pump them, but instead brake with firm pressure. If you have an older vehicle, or one without anti-lock brakes, pumping the brakes as you head into a slide will help you regain control of the vehicle.
• Stop. Always stop at least 15 feet before the rail crossing. Be especially careful on icy roads to make sure you will not slide onto the tracks.
• Listen. Snow can muffle the sound of an approaching train. Crack the window, and lower the sound of the radio and heater.

#

 

Editor's note: "Ice and Snow … Take It Slow" logo image is available to download at the following link "Ice and Snow ... Take It Slow"