Getting your horse trailer stuck on the railroad tracks with your horses inside is a nightmare scenario but one that’s far too common according to the equestrian roadside assistance provider USRider. While studying more than 200 horse trailer accidents, USRider and Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez noticed a number of accidents where gooseneck trailers became lodged on raised railroad tracks. Many of these incidents resulted in loss of human and/or equine life. Although bumper-pull trailers can also be affected, gooseneck designs seem to be more prone to the problem.
“From a practical standpoint, most railroad crossings are built up, making them slightly higher than the surrounding roadway. Therein lies the problem,” says Mark Cole, managing member of USRider. “When the truck tires pass over the railroad bed and start approaching the lower roadway grade, the rear tires can also be on the roadway grade on the other side of the tracks, causing the front of the gooseneck trailer to bottom out on the tracks.”
Look for raised tracks or clearance warnings, and take an alternate, safer route. If your trailer is ever stuck on railroad tracks, call 911. The dispatchers can alert the railroad companies to the situation. Then, unload all humans and horses. The removal of horses may lighten the trailer enough to move it off the tracks.
For more information, visit www.usrider.org.
Plenty has been written about the prevention, causes, and treatment of founder, but less information…
It’s the end of a busy horse show day, and you’re worn out. The horses…
There is strength in numbers, but when it comes to helping horses in need, reliable…
As many owners will testify, horses can find the strangest ways to get hurt. Sometimes…
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…