TRAIN VS. APPARATUS DEADLY CROSSINGS

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.

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.