Railroad Crossings in Arizona — Safety and the Law

We’ve all encountered railroad crossings and probably all been delayed by a passing train. We may have even seen someone drive around lowered crossing gates — a reckless decision that can be fatal. A loaded freight train traveling at 55 mph takes over a mile to stop. Your car doesn’t stand a chance.

Arizona Law at Railroad Crossings

Under A.R.S. § 28-851, when warning signals are flashing or crossing gates are lowered, you must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. You must remain stopped until the signals stop, the gates rise, and it is safe to proceed. Driving around or under a lowered gate is illegal and extremely dangerous.

A.R.S. § 28-852 addresses crossings without automated signals — you must slow down, look both ways, and listen before crossing. If a train is approaching close enough to constitute a hazard, you must stop and wait.

Liability in Railroad Crossing Accidents

Railroad crossing accidents can involve multiple liable parties. The driver who ignored signals or drove around gates is negligent. The railroad company may be liable if signals malfunctioned, crossings lacked adequate warnings, sight lines were obstructed by vegetation the railroad was responsible for maintaining, or the train was traveling at excessive speed for the area. The government entity responsible for road design may be liable if the crossing was improperly designed or signed.

The Consequences Are Catastrophic

Train-vehicle collisions almost always result in severe injury or death. The occupants of the vehicle absorb virtually all of the impact force. Survivors often face traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and long-term disability.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a railroad crossing accident, these cases are complex — often involving federal railroad safety regulations, multiple government entities, and large corporate defendants. The Law Badgers have the litigation experience to take on these cases.