COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring drivers to stop for all on-track equipment at grade crossings, and making the failure to do so a misdemeanor.
House Bill 372, sponsored by Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and James M. Hoops (R-Napoleon), requires a driver to stop at a grade crossing if a crossing warning device is active; a flagger signals the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; or a train or other equipment is clearly visible, among other conditions. In lieu of a fine or jail term for violations, a court may order an offender to complete a safety training course or presentation regarding rail safety.
The bill is a small update to the existing law, adding the provision regarding on-track equipment other than trains.
“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,” Hoops, the House Majority Whip, said in a press release. “To ensure motorists are safe at rail crossings, we must clarify that other pieces of equipment that travel on railroad tracks present the same dangers to motorists as trains do.”
The bill passed the House by a 92-1 vote last week. It now goes to state Senate for further consideration.
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