There is a blue sign containing vital information. First, it lists the emergency number to call if your vehicle or equipment is stuck on the tracks. This number connects directly to someone at the railroad that owns the tracks.
The second number is a unique code supplied by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which identifies that specific crossing, no other crossing in the country shares the same code.
Your first instinct may be to call 911, but in this case, you should call the railroad first—the top number on the sign. The dispatch personnel who answer the phone will understand the DOT number and can use it to quickly locate the railroad crossing.
If a train is approaching, the dispatcher can notify rail personnel ahead of time and, hopefully, stop the train before it reaches your vehicle. Once you’ve spoken with the railroad dispatcher, it’s okay to call 911 afterward.
If there’s time to get a wrecker and remove your vehicle from the tracks, call the railroad back and inform them that the situation has been resolved. You can also use the emergency number to report issues like overgrown crossings or other physical hazards.
Bonus tip: If your vehicle is stuck on the tracks and a train is approaching, leave the vehicle immediately. Run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming from. This helps ensure that if the train hits your vehicle, any debris will be pushed away from you.
