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United States Department of Transportation
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 AS LAW ENFORCEMENT

Become familiar with railroads operating in your area of jurisdiction and the types of products they regularly transport


Take note of grade crossings and develop a map of railroads in areas you patrol


Monitor grade crossings; educate violators and issue citations when necessary


Develop an emergency response plan for handling rail-related incidents


Keep a list of emergency contact numbers for each railroad operating in your area of jurisdiction

AS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Become familiar with the railroads operating in your area of jurisdiction and the types of products they regularly transport


Ensure your team has an understanding of basic railroad operations, policies, and procedures


Develop an emergency response plan for handling railroad incidents


During an emergency, locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign to contact the railroad

AS EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS

Direct callers to look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign to quickly determine the location of the railroad emergency


Immediately contact the railroad responsible for the track 


Determine if the incident involves a trespasser or a motor vehicle


Determine if there are additional dangers such as motor vehicles on the track or hazardous cargo


Ensure that your call center has a map of all railroads in your area as well as a policy for handling railroad incidents

AS LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATORS

This video brings a clear understanding to law enforcement officers the challenges associated with investigating highway-rail grade crossing collisions. It also provides information needed to complete a thorough railroad accident investigation by enhancing their investigative skills with the railroad related information. Law Enforcement officers possess the necessary skills to investigate roadway crashes, this film provides additional training related to highway-rail grade crossing collisions and trespasser incidents.

 

Rail Safety for Law Enforcement Video
Rail Safety for Emergency Response Services
Rail Safety for Emergency Dispatchers

Resources

Railroad/Grade Crossing Materials

  • Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Resource Guide
  • Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
  • Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing: Downloadable PDF Version
  • Compilation of State Laws & Regulations Affecting Highway-Rail Grade Crossing: iPhone App-Mobile Version Compilation
  • Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
  • State Contacts for Grade Crossing Inventory
  • Railroad Contacts for Grade Crossing Inventory
  • Rail Crossing Locator Mobile App

Law Enforcement Materials

  • Guidance for Law Enforcement
  • Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Checklist
  • Public Education and Enforcement Research Study
  • National Law Enforcement Liaison Program

 

Emergency Notification System

  • Emergency Notification System FAQs
  • ENS Software Installation Instructions
  • ENS Software Download
  • ENS Compliance Dates
  • ENS Penalty Schedule
  • Project Plan: 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System for Shortline Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

External Links

  • Operation Lifesaver
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • Rails-with-Trails

Railroad Safety
Divisions
Highway-Rail Crossing and Trespasser Programs
I Can Improve Rail Safety. I am a...
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000

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