While completing a research project on horse trailer accidents, Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez, clinicians in large animal emergency rescue, and USRider noticed an alarming trend of which they want to caution the public immediately. The Gimenezes studied more than 200 incidents involving horse trailers and noticed an inordinate number of accidents involving gooseneck horse trailers becoming stuck on railroad crossings. Almost all of these incidents resulted in losses of human and equine life.

"Being stuck on a railroad track is preventable and does not have to end in tragedy," said Mark Cole, managing member of USRider, a nationwide roadside assistance plan for equestrians.

"As the driver of a vehicle pulling a trailer, assume that any low-clearance caution signs before the railroad track are meant for you," said Dr. Tomas Gimenez, who is professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson University. "The placement of such warning signs will allow you to take an alternate safer route."

If you must cross railroad tracks, proceed cautiously, especially when the tracks are higher than the road grade. If your horse trailer becomes lodged on a railroad crossing, call 911 immediately, since emergency agencies can contact railroad companies and alert them of the situation