Rail Crossing Safety Tips

Railroad Crossing Safety tips.

You should never drive around lowered gates if you driving around lowered gates are illegal and deadly. If you are suspecting a signal is malfunctioning then call the toll free number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.

Don’t get trapped on the tracks. Always proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Be aware that the train is three feet wider than the tracks on each side.

Get out of your vehicle if it stalls or if your vehicle stalls on a crossing immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks. You can call your local law enforcement agency for assistance. Suppose if a train is coming get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. If you are running in the same direction the train is traveling when the train hits your car you could be injured by flying debris.

It’s better to watch out for a second train. When you are at any kind of multiple track crossing and are waiting for a train to pass watch out for a second train on the other tracks which is approaching in either direction.

We can’t expect trains on any track at any time and most trains do not travel on a regular schedule. Always be cautious at a highway-rail grade crossing at any time of the day or night.

Know that trains cannot stop quickly. Even after if the locomotive engineer sees you; a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's called 18 football fields!

Don’t get fooled. The train which you see is closer and is moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching just wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

Always Cross train tracks at a designated crossing only. If you need to cross train tracks go to a designated crossing look both ways and cross the tracks quickly without stopping. Remember that it is not safe to stop closer than 15 feet from the rail.

Railroad Crossing, Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Don’t walk on or over railroad property, this is trespassing. Cross the tracks only at a designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Don’t walk or run or just cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks rights-of-way or through the tunnels. The one and only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing.

Never choose to cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. Second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Have some patience and wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.

Do not walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Don’t cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so. You can be fined or punished for failure to obey these signals. If it’s more severe penalty could be a serious injury or death.

Do not hunt fish or bungee jump from railroad bridges or trestles. There is only enough and small clink clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not made for public use and are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges!

Don’t ever attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of your foot can easily cost you a limb or your life.