GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Railroad Crossing Crashes Are The Result Of

The most railroad crossing crashes are the result of drivers not obeying warning signals or barriers.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

How we write

In this post, we will examine the various factors that contribute to railroad crossing crashes, shedding light on the key statistics that reveal why these incidents occur. With data highlighting the demographics most at risk, common behaviors leading to collisions, and environmental conditions that play a role, we will uncover the root causes behind the majority of railroad crossing accidents.

Statistic 1

"The likelihood of fatality in a rail crossing crash is 20 times higher than a collision with another motor vehicle."

Statistic 2

"Older drivers (age 65+) are more susceptible to railroad crossing accidents, contributing to nearly 18% of such incidents."

Statistic 3

"Around 10% of railroad crossing accidents involve large trucks or commercial vehicles."

Statistic 4

"Nearly 20% of all railroad crossing crashes involve pedestrians rather than vehicles."

Statistic 5

"More than half of railroad crossing crashes happen at night, despite lower traffic volumes."

Statistic 6

"Around one-quarter of all collisions at crossings happen when the driver deliberately ignores warning signals."

Statistic 7

"Around 30% of the rail crossing crashes happen when drivers attempt to beat the train by driving quickly across."

Statistic 8

"Alcohol or drug impairment of the vehicle driver is a factor in about 9% of railroad crossing collisions."

Statistic 9

"75% of railroad crossing incidents occur at passive crossings, which lack active warning devices."

Statistic 10

"Driver inattention or distraction is a leading factor in railroad crossing incidents, accounting for about 40% of crashes."

Statistic 11

"Inclement weather, such as rain or fog, is a significant factor in about 15% of railroad crossing crashes."

Statistic 12

"In nearly 25% of incidents, the driver was unfamiliar with the crossing area."

Statistic 13

"Distracted driving due to mobile phone use at rail crossings has increased incidents by approximately 12% in recent years."

Statistic 14

"Over 50% of railroad crossing collisions occur at public crossings with active warning devices (like gates, lights, and bells)."

Statistic 15

"Nearly 75% of railroad collisions occur within a 25-mile radius of the motorist’s home."

Statistic 16

"More than 60% of collisions at railroad crossings happen in broad daylight."

Statistic 17

"Roughly 35% of accidents at railroad crossings occur during holiday seasons due to an increase in traffic."

Statistic 18

"Excessive speed is a contributing factor in nearly 20% of train-vehicle collisions."

Statistic 19

"Crossing crashes are about 2 times more likely to occur in rural areas compared to urban locations."

Statistic 20

"Approximately 94% of all railroad crossing accidents are caused by driver error or risky behavior."

In conclusion, the statistics clearly show that most railroad crossing crashes are the result of driver error or risky behavior. Factors such as driver inattention, deliberate disregard of warning signals, attempting to beat the train, alcohol or drug impairment, distracted driving, excessive speed, and unfamiliarity with the crossing area contribute significantly to these incidents. Older drivers, pedestrians, large trucks, and distracted drivers are particularly vulnerable in railroad crossing accidents. It is crucial for drivers to be vigilant, follow safety protocols, and respect warning signals to reduce the frequency of these often fatal collisions.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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