If your car gets stuck on US railroad tracks, the small blue-and-white sign nearby can tell the railroad exactly where you are before the next train arrives

When a car is stranded on railroad tracks, it leaves you very little time for decisions. Calling emergency services is important, but there’s another option waiting at many public railroad crossings in the United States, which is the little blue-and-white sign that many drivers miss. The sign shows a phone number for emergency contacts and a crossing identification code, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which allows the railroad to identify the exact crossing and respond more quickly to emergencies. Action is taken quickly if a car or any other object is blocking the railway tracks.

The crossing identification number uniquely identifies each public railroad crossing, allowing dispatchers to locate it quickly. It also serves as a specific identifier that functions uniquely and is indicative of any railway crossing across the country. This makes the dispatcher’s work easy since instead of getting an address from the caller, the dispatcher can just take down the crossing number and trace the passing trains immediately.

Every small sign matters

The ENS symbol can usually be found affixed to a post, signal mast, or crossing machinery that is situated near the tracks. Most drivers do not understand its meaning and often overlook it. What they do is mainly keep their attention on traffic, warning lights, and diversions. The blue sign is not made to communicate traffic problems or ask questions about the crossing. Instead, it has been developed to be used in emergencies, such as malfunctioning equipment, an obstructed crossing, or anything that could endanger motor vehicles or trains. Every sign here includes two vital pieces of information: an emergency contact number and the number that identifies the crossing. It is the combination of these two pieces of information that makes it easy to act properly when time matters.

What to do if your vehicle gets stuck

Railroad safety professionals highlight the importance of putting human safety first over leaving a vehicle in danger. So, if a car is stuck on the railway line, it is highly advisable to exit the car without delay, as well as stay far away from the railway line itself, for safety reasons. Once everyone is in a safe location, it is crucial to contact the emergency number on the Emergency Notification System signs and communicate the crossing identification number to the railroad dispatcher. The dispatcher utilizes this information to ascertain the emergency location and forward notifications to trains approaching the crossing point. Drivers may also contact emergency services if needed. According to the FRA, road users should refrain from trying to outrun a train or remaining inside the vehicle when it breaks down.

Why location matters so much

Dispatchers cannot rely on phrases like “close to the station” or “beside the highway” to locate the specific crossing. For instance, freight trains take over a mile to come to a complete stop depending on their weight and speed, which means that it is crucial to give an accurate description of the location to the railroad as soon as possible. Thus, the unique crossing ID serves as an accurate identifier used in the national inventory of crossings. Once the ID has been stated, dispatchers are aware of the exact crossing concerned, enabling them to inform train crews operating in that location.

Designed for emergencies, not everyday use

Emergency Notification System signs are included in the federal safety programme designed to enhance communications between the public and railroads in cases of emergency. According to the FRA, callers should provide the crossing identification number and describe the nature of the emergency so the railroad can respond appropriately.

ENS signs may be small, but they offer information unavailable on regular navigation apps or roadside signs. During times of emergencies, they act as the direct link to the railway responsible for the selected location. Most vehicles cross railroads without any incidents, and most of the drivers will never make use of the ENS sign. It is important to point out that knowing its purpose in advance might be extremely important. By calling the number printed on the blue-and-white sign with a given rail crossing identification, it allows the dispatchers to locate the crossing instantly and to inform the trains that are already approaching, enabling them to avert the accident.