49 U.S.C. § 20159 — Roadway user sight distance at highway-rail grade crossings

Within 18 months after the enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the Secretary of Transportation must work with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the states to write model legislation for the states. This model law is meant to improve safety by dealing with things that block a driver's view at highway-rail grade crossings, such as overgrown vegetation, hills or other land features, buildings, and standing railroad equipment. It applies to crossings that use passive warnings only, meaning no lights or gates. This requirement follows a recommendation from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General in Report No. MH-2007-044.