tvieno

tvieno t1_ixwz8ls wrote

>1. Railroads, tracks and trains are owned by different companies.

The railroads own the tracks and the trains on the tracks. With a few small and minor exceptions, they know precisely where their trains are at all times.

>2. 911 has a direct line to all of the RRs in their jurisdiction

They use a phone just like everyone else. Except when you call 911, you have to know where you are. Then 911 has to find out which railroad owns that track then calls the railroad. There is no direct line.

>3. 911 can easily and quickly stop RR traffic.

911 cannot stop trains. Only the railroad can stop their trains.

>4. RRs may not stop traffic based on a phone call from a random person, but will for a 911 dispatcher.

The railroads will attempt to stop a train if it can avoid an accident, regardless of who is calling.

>5. 911 can stop the trains, get a tow truck enroute and an officer to direct traffic, all on less time than you can navigate calling the RR and getting to the correct person.

911 does not call for a tow truck unless they are directed by the police on scene.

>6. 911 is easy and a number people already have memorized.

No phone number to memorize, look at the signpost for a phone number.

>7. Calling 911 is also the recommended action by every train company and emergency service. They also recommend calling the RR emergency number if you are able to find.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees railroads says to first call the railroad phone number on each crossing signpost and only to call 911 as a last resort.

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tvieno t1_ixwvnjh wrote

On the FMSCA's site it literally says

>Call the local police or 911 if you cannot locate the railroad emergency phone number at the site.

>Provide the location, crossing number (if posted), and the name of the road or highway that crosses the tracks. And be sure to specify that a vehicle is on the tracks!

So the US government is saying to call the railroad first before calling 911.

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