Winter weather may just be around the corner. As California braces for changing weather, it is time to stay alert to shifting weather forecasts and current updates.
When weather brings moderate to heavy rain, snow, wind and ice, be prepared to follow safety checklists that include making rail safety a part of your list.
You may not hear it coming
Rain, wind and snow can muffle the sound of an approaching train. A hood, a hat or a helmet can dull it too. Add headphones or a loud radio and you might not hear it at all. At any crossing, turn the music down, take out your earbuds and look both ways. Always expect a train, from either direction, at any time.
Trains can’t stop quickly
A train can take a mile or more to stop, about the length of 18 football fields. Weather doesn’t change that and can make stopping time even longer.
Trains can be quieter and be faster than you expect, and closer than they look, and stormy weather can reduce visibility and make them harder to see. Never try to beat a train and never go around lights and gates.
Give yourself extra room on the road
Wet and icy pavement adds to your stopping distance, so slow down well before you reach the tracks. Stop at least 15 feet back from the tracks. If your vehicle won’t fit completely across the tracks, don’t commit! If traffic on the far side is stopped, don’t enter the crossing at all. Storm traffic can back up fast, and stopping on the tracks is dangerous and illegal. Don’t risk you life.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Flooding, debris and the blue and white sign
Heavy rain can flood low spots and leave debris on or near the tracks. Areas burned by wildfires face a higher risk of localized flooding. If you see water, a downed tree or anything that doesn’t belong on the tracks, stay clear. Look for the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the crossing. Call the number on it and give the crossing ID that is on the sign. Using the ENS sign alerts the railroad in case they need to stop train traffic.
Stuck or stalled? Get out and get away
If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls on the tracks, immediately get everyone out and away from the tracks, even if you don’t see a train. Then locate the blue and white sign and call the number on the sign and give the crossing ID. If you don’t see the sign? Call 911.
Save the storm photos for a better location
Moody skies make great pictures. But NEVER on or near railroad tracks. Tracks, trains and the areas right next to them are private property. Walking, biking, skiing or playing on or near tracks is illegal and dangerous. Railroad Tracks are not the place to capture photos. Tracks are for trains! The only safe place to cross the tracks is a designated crossing.
Tell 5 before the storm hits
Think of five people who you know that have railroad tracks along their route, ride commuter trains, or live near them. Send them our blog post.
Then take 30 seconds to make the Save Lives Tell 5 pledge: share one rail safety tip with each of them and ask them to tell five more.
During winter weather and all year long, stay safe, and stay off the tracks. Always practice safe driving and us extra caution near railroad tracks.
Join us again in December when we will return with tips for safe travels and getting home safe over the holidays.
