FRA Unveils Rail Crossing Locator App
Users who enter a specific location will see the physical characteristics of the crossing and the type of traffic controls installed there described.
The Federal Railroad Administration on June 18 announced a new iOS smartphone mobile application that will give the public access to safety information about more than 200,000 highway-rail grade crossings nationwide. The Rail Crossing Locator is free through Apple's App Store and can be used on any iPhone or iPad.
"Safety is our highest priority, and at the Department of Transportation, we believe that giving people better information leads to smarter and safer travel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "With the Rail Crossing Locator, individuals can use a mobile app to access information wherever they are to improve neighborhood safety and make better personal travel choices."
The app prompts users to enter a specific location, which then allows them to locate highway-rail grade crossings in their area and retrieve important information, such as the physical characteristics of a crossing and the type of traffic control devices used. The app also allows users to report information about grade crossings to FRA to ensure the most accurate, up-to-date information is available.
FRA noted during the past decade, highway-rail incidents have declined by 34 percent and deaths associated with them are down 30 percent. However, last year alone, highway-rail crossing collisions accounted for nearly 20 percent of all reportable rail accidents and incidents and represented nearly one-third of all rail-related fatalities. "While we've made significant progress in the reduction of highway-grade crossing incidents over the last decade, much more work remains to be done," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo. "This technology will be one more tool to help us reach our goal of zero fatalities."