NW Ohio Times

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 372, known as Stop, Look, and Listen, which will require drivers to stop for on-track equipment at railroad crossings, announced Majority Whip Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon).

The legislation updates the Ohio Revised Code to mandate that motorists stop, look, and listen when a train or other on-track equipment is approaching. This change aims to enhance safety at railroad crossings.

“Ohioans understand trains occupy the tracks in their respective neighborhoods, but not everyone is aware of the on-track maintenance and construction machines that travel on the track infrastructure in our country,” said Hoops. “To ensure motorists are safe at rail crossings, we must clarify that other pieces of equipment traveling on railroad tracks present the same dangers to motorists as trains do.”

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 204 rail accidents in Ohio last year. Of these incidents, 139 involved highway-rail intersections and other railway accidents. Stop, Look, and Listen aims to prevent such incidents where vehicle operators are struck by on-track equipment.

The legislation has garnered support from both rail labor and the rail industry. House Bill 372 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

###