As spring planting season begins, the Iowa Department of Transportation is urging farmers and agribusinesses to use caution at railroad crossings, where increased equipment traffic raises the risk of collisions.
State officials say Iowa has more than 6,500 public and private at-grade crossings, many in rural areas where visibility can be limited. More than half of public crossings are passive, marked only by crossbuck signs, and account for most crashes.
The DOT warns that misjudging train speeds or failing to see or hear an approaching locomotive can have deadly consequences. A freight train traveling 55 mph can take more than a mile to stop, and nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train about every three hours.
To reduce risk, officials recommend stopping at least 15 feet from tracks, avoiding gear changes while crossing, ensuring enough clearance and using emergency notification systems if equipment becomes stuck.
The DOT says rail safety remains critical during peak agricultural activity.
