FRA FRA Grade Crossing Safety & Accident Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, within how many days must a railroad submit a full accident/incident report (Form FRA F 6180.54) after a reportable railroad accident?
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 10 days
- 7 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Under 49 CFR Part 225, railroads must file a full accident/incident report with the FRA within 30 days of the end of the month in which the accident occurred.
Question 2: What is the FRA's threshold for a highway-rail grade crossing incident to be considered 'reportable' under 49 CFR Part 225?
- Any collision at a highway-rail crossing that results in a fatality, injury, or property damage above the current reporting threshold (Correct answer)
- Only fatalities at grade crossings
- Any collision regardless of damage or injury
- Collisions resulting in more than $10,000 in damage only
Correct answer: Any collision at a highway-rail crossing that results in a fatality, injury, or property damage above the current reporting threshold
A grade crossing incident is reportable if it involves a fatality, an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or property damage exceeding the FRA's annually adjusted reporting threshold.
Question 3: Which FRA regulation establishes the requirements for railroad accident and incident reporting?
- 49 CFR Part 225 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 219
- 49 CFR Part 234
- 49 CFR Part 240
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 225
49 CFR Part 225 governs railroad accidents and incidents, including reporting requirements, record retention, and the types of incidents that must be reported to the FRA.
Question 4: What must a railroad do immediately after a highway-rail grade crossing accident involving a fatality?
- Notify the FRA by telephone as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the accident (Correct answer)
- Submit a written report within 7 days
- Contact the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) only
- File a report within 30 days with no immediate notification required
Correct answer: Notify the FRA by telephone as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the accident
For accidents involving a fatality or certain serious injuries, 49 CFR Part 225 requires railroads to notify the FRA by phone within 24 hours in addition to submitting written reports.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the FRA's Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accident/Incident form (FRA Form F 6180.57)?
- To report all collisions between railroad equipment and highway users at grade crossings (Correct answer)
- To report trespasser incidents on railroad property
- To document track defect inspections near crossings
- To request funding for crossing safety improvements
Correct answer: To report all collisions between railroad equipment and highway users at grade crossings
FRA Form F 6180.57 is specifically used to document and report collisions between trains and highway users (vehicles or pedestrians) at public or private grade crossings.
Question 6: Under FRA regulations, who is responsible for maintaining grade crossing warning systems in proper working order?
- The railroad that owns or controls the track at the crossing (Correct answer)
- The state department of transportation
- The local municipality where the crossing is located
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Correct answer: The railroad that owns or controls the track at the crossing
Under 49 CFR Part 234, the railroad that owns or has jurisdiction over the track at a grade crossing is responsible for maintaining crossing warning systems in safe and proper operating condition.
FRA FRA Grade Crossing Safety & Accident Reporting 2
Under FRA regulations, within how many days must a railroad submit a full accident/incident report (Form FRA F 6180.54) after a reportable railroad accident?