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Grade crossings blocked by slow moving or stopped trains have a serious consequence: hindering emergency vehicles from reaching accident victims or responding to medical emergencies, according to a report recently released by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The blockages also can impede motorists and commercial trucks.

Mandated by SAFETEA-LU, the report reviews a range of solutions employed by communities and railroads to alleviate crossing bottlenecks, and describes how the FRA can help railroads and municipalities work together to eliminate recurring blockages.

Meanwhile, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) soon will begin giving truck drivers safety reminder cards — produced in collaboration with the FRA — to help prevent truck/train collisions at crossings.

The two-sided laminated cards provide a number of crossing safety tips, such as making sure there’s enough space on the other side of the tracks before proceeding and ensuring vehicles stalled on tracks are handled properly. The cards also include major railroads’ emergency contact numbers.

The FMCSA will distribute the cards to about 250,000 truck drivers, including 150,000 Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association members, as well as other trucking association members and specialized carriers.