The Reason Hi-Rail Trucks Do Not Trigger Railroad Crossings

Hi-rail trucks are a specialized type of vehicle used by railway maintenance teams, designed to be driven on both road and rail tracks. Despite their ability to activate railroad crossings, these trucks are not considered trains—yet they still hold certain responsibilities and standards when operating on tracks. This article will delve into the reasons why hi-rail trucks do not trigger railroad crossings.

Understanding Hi-Rail Trucks

Hi-rail trucks have a unique design that allows them to operate on both road and rail tracks. Unlike traditional vehicles, they have the ability to switch between road wheels and rail wheels, enabling them to move between road and railway stations. Although they can be made to activate railroad crossings, this feature is not consistently utilized. This leads to the question: why do these trucks not trigger railroad crossings?

Why Doesn’t Hi-Rail Trigger Crossings?

There are several reasons why hi-rail trucks do not ordinarily trigger railroad crossings despite the capability. Firstly, crossing equipment is designed to detect trains. Even if a hi-rail truck is able to activate the crossing, all track equipment must yield to auto traffic. The critical distinction here is that trains, and not hi-rail trucks, are prioritized by the crossing equipment.

Consequences of Not Triggering Crossings

If a hi-rail truck hits or gets hit by a car, truck, or even a bicycle while at a non-triggered crossing, the railroad is liable. Further, the driver of the hi-rail truck is responsible for the incident and could face penalties, including time off work. Operators of larger trucks and tampers may still shunt and activate the crossing, but their responsibility towards traffic remains.

Legal and Practical Considerations

It’s important to note that trucks, tampers, and similar equipment are generally poor at shunting track without causing disruptions. Even though some hi-rail trucks and tampers can shunt and activate the crossing, they are still required to yield to auto traffic. This presents a practical challenge in managing track maintenance and ensuring safety on the road.

Legal Penalties and Safety Concerns

State laws often make it illegal for hi-rail trucks to go around the gates of railroad crossings. Doing so can result in fines and legal repercussions. If a hi-rail truck collides with track equipment after bypassing the gates, the operator can face a ticket for disregarding the crossing gate. In some cases, operators and track inspectors, who were under the mistaken belief they had the right of way, have faced legal consequences.

Conclusion

The operation of hi-rail trucks on railroad tracks and their interaction with railroad crossings involve a careful balance of legal, practical, and safety considerations. Despite their unique capabilities, hi-rail trucks are not designed to trigger railroad crossings. This decision is made to prioritize train operations and ensure the safety of all road and rail users.