Train Safety

Here’s what you can do to stay safe around trains

Never trespass on any railroad property or right of way.
Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. 94% of all train fatalities are pedestrians being killed by trains while trespassing on tracks or in railyards.

Train tracks, bridges and tunnels are not safe for passage by other means.
Do not ever walk, run, bicycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through railroad tunnels.

Cross only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
The ONLY legal, safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals. Stop before entering the crossing. Look for a train approaching from either direction, and proceed through only if safe. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing, and DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing.

Always expect a train.
Trains do not take holidays. Trains can approach from either direction, at any time of day or night.

Don’t stand next to tracks.
Trains can overhang the tracks by three feet on either side, and straps and tiedowns can extend even further.

Photos on Train Tracks are Deadly and Illegal.
“Selfies” and photo shoots on train tracks have deadly consequences – 16 Americans have been killed and 5 injured in photography-related train track incidents since 2011. Stay off, stay alive!

Never try to beat a train.
Trains cannot make sudden stops. It can take a mile or more to stop a train. A locomotive engineer who spots someone on the tracks ahead will likely be unable to stop the train in time. Remember that a locomotive weighs 200 tons. An automobile being hit by a train is equivalent to a soda can being hit by an automobile.

Do not attempt to jump aboard railroad equipment at any time.
A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.

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Information courtesy of Operation Lifesaver.