Rail Safety
Tips
California Operation Lifesaver provides rail safety tips to raise awareness and reduce deaths and injuries near tracks and trains. Always make safe decisions near railroad tracks and share these tips with your loved ones.
Every 3 hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. The result is always the same – severe injury or even death. Don’t let you or your loved ones become a statistic!
HELP SAVE LIVES Everyone can help save lives! We ask that you pledge to make safe decisions near tracks and trains. Make the pledge for yourself, your family, and your friends. Then, share these rail safety tips with your loved ones.
Always expect a train!
Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction, and do not run on schedules.
Trains can move in either direction at any time.
Never walk on or beside railroad tracks; it’s illegal and dangerous
The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate
Crossing anywhere else is illegal.
Never try to beat a train! Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates.
Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised. Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
If you see a train coming, wait!
Flashing lights or a lowering gate means a train is approaching. Do not proceed until the gates go completely up and the lights go off. It is illegal to go around lowered gates on a bike, on foot, or in a vehicle.
Stay off railroad bridges and trestles. Stay out of railroad tunnels.
There is ONLY ROOM for the train.
Trains have the right of way 100% of the time
over emergency vehicles, cars, the police, and pedestrians.
A train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail,
putting the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the three-foot mark.
Never take photos or videos on tracks. It is dangerous and illegal.
An optical illusion makes it hard to determine a train’s distance from you – and its speed. Trains can’t stop quickly. By the time an engineer sees a person or a vehicle on the tracks, it may be too late to stop the train.
Turn off music and remove earphones at all rail crossings.
Music can be a deadly distraction near the tracks - preventing you from hearing an approaching train.
Stay alert around railroad tracks. Avoid Distractions. Do not text, wear headphones, or use other devices
that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
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Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed while trespassing on railroad tracks. It is illegal and dangerous to be on the tracks. It is not worth risking your life. Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Safe!
Always expect a train.
Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction, and do not run on schedules. Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.
The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings
with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.
Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention.
Plan ahead when choosing a route. When possible, walk, don’t ride across the tracks. Cyclists, walk your bike across train tracks at a 90-degree angle. If in a wheelchair, consider getting assistance or taking an alternate route.
Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates.
Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised.
Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions.
Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
Avoid Distractions: Do not text, and remove earphones at all rail crossings. Music and texting can be deadly distractions near the tracks,
preventing you from hearing and seeing an approaching train.
Taking Selfies or capturing photos on railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal. Stay Off, Stay Away from the tracks.
preventing you from hearing and seeing an approaching train.
Never use the railroad tracks for Photo or Video Shoots.
It is trespassing and extremely dangerous. Keep yourself and your client safe by staying off Railroad Tracks.
Stay off railroad bridges and trestles.
Stay out of railroad tunnels. There is ONLY ROOM for the train.
Do not attempt to hop aboard
railroad equipment at any time. Trains, tracks, and railroad yards are NOT playgrounds. Never climb on, under, or through railroad cars. Never jump on or off a train while it’s moving.
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Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed while trespassing on railroad tracks. It is illegal and dangerous to be on the tracks. It is not worth risking your life. Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Safe!
Trains and cars don't mix.
Trains have the right of way 100% of the time.
The train you see is closer and faster-moving
than you think.
Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
It can take a train a mile or more to stop. That is the length of 18 football fields.
Never drive around lowered gates
— it's illegal and dangerous.
Do not get trapped on the tracks;
proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you can clear the crossing without stopping.
If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks,
get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.
When waiting for a train to pass at a multiple-track crossing,
watch out for a second train on the other tracks approaching from either direction.
Avoid Distracted Driving. Stay Alert near railroad tracks.
Distraction leads to danger, as multitasking drivers fail to notice that they are approaching highway-rail grade crossings.
When you need to cross train tracks,
go to a designated crossing, look both ways and cross the tracks quickly without stopping. Remember that stopping closer than 15 feet from a rail isn't safe.
ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!
Freight trains do not follow set schedules. Trains can come from either direction at any time.
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Make safe choices when traveling by Commuter Train, Streetcar, Subway or Light Rail
Rail transit can reach speeds over 100 mph. Trains can run on any track, at any time, from either direction. Trains are quieter and faster than you think – only trains belong on the tracks.
STAND BACK
Observe the pavement markings. Stand back from the platform behind the painted or raised markings. Trains overhang tracks.
NEVER
run or ride scooters, skateboards, or bicycles in a station.
STAY OFF THE TRACKS
If you drop an item on the tracks, do not attempt to retrieve it. Notify transit personnel.
SEE TRACKS? THINK TRAIN®
Remain alert for oncoming trains on station platforms and while driving or walking. Listen and watch for pedestrian and traffic signals.
BE AWARE OF HIGH VOLTAGE
Never walk next to or in between the rails. High-voltage electrical power can run underground on a third rail or above trains.
CROSS LEGALLY AND SAFELY
Cross only at designated crossings. Observe signs, signals, and pavement markings. Always look for a train.
WAIT, LOOK BOTH WAYS
Always expect a train. Trains are closer and faster than they appear. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains. Look for additional trains on adjacent tracks
WAIT UNTIL THE TRAIN STOPS
to approach the door. Let others exit before you board
MIND THE GAP
watch your step when entering and exiting the train.
HOLD CHILDREN’S HAND
hand on the platform while boarding and exiting. Talk with them about rail safety.
LOWERED GATES, FLASHING LIGHTS, AND RINGING BELLS tell you a train is approaching. Always look for approaching transit.
NEVER DRIVE OR WALK
around lowered crossing gates.
STAY A SAFE DISTANCE FROM RAIL TRANSIT.
Never walk, run, or exercise on tracks.
OBSERVE ALL WARNING SIGNS, TRAFFIC, RAILROAD SIGNALS, AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS when sharing a lane with rail transit.
NEVER Leave Your Vehicle On The Tracks.
LEAVE AT LEAST A CAR LENGTH OR MORE
between your vehicle and transit when sharing a lane.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WON'T FIT, DON'T COMMIT!
Ensure your vehicle will completely clear the tracks without stopping.
PARK WITHIN THE PAVEMENT MARKINGS.
Leave enough room for transit to pass.
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As adults, we can help children by prioritizing rail safety near tracks and trains. Please share information about rail safety and teach them about the dangers associated with being on railroad tracks. Remember, children often mimic parents’ and teachers’ behavior, so it’s essential to lead by example. Teach them how to stay safe and be a Rail Safety Mentor.
NEVER walk, run, or play
on or near railroad tracks or in railroad stations.
It is NEVER safe to be on train tracks.
A train can come at ANY TIME on ANY TRACK from ANY DIRECTION.
It is Dangerous and against the law
to walk on or next to the tracks.
You might not HEAR
a train coming in time to get out of the way. Trains can be incredibly quiet and moving faster than you think.
It can take a long time to stop a train,
a mile or more. That is the length of 18 Football Fields.
A train will stop, but it might not be able to stop in time
to avoid hitting a person on the tracks.
Trains can’t swerve
to avoid hitting something in its path. They don’t have steering wheels.
It is NEVER safe
to play on or near a stopped train.
Never place anything on train tracks
– even a small object can be dangerous. When a train hits an object on the tracks, it can fly off and hurt someone.
It is NEVER safe to be on the tracks,
a train trestle, a bridge, or a train trestle. The train is wider than the tracks, so there is no room for anything or anyone else.
Remember to always STAY OFF and STAY AWAY from train tracks.
Always make the right choice and STAY SAFE!
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No matter what type of wheels you use, always navigate railroad crossings safely at pedestrian crossings. Always obey the signs, signals, and laws near railroad tracks.
Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention.
If in a wheelchair, consider getting assistance or taking an alternate route. Plan ahead when choosing a route.
Crossing tracks on a bicycle requires caution and extra attention!
Narrow wheels can get caught between the rails. If possible, walk - don't ride - across. Always cross at a 90-degree angle.
Wet train tracks can be slippery.
Dismount and walk your bike across the tracks. Step over the tracks - not on them - to avoid slipping.
Walking or riding on or beside railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal
Cross legally and safely. Use only designated railroad crossings.
The only legal and safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate. Crossing at any other location is trespassing and illegal.
Always obey warning signs and signals.
Always look for a train before proceeding.
Wait, Look both ways.
Always Expect A Train. Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear. Trains can run on any track at any time from either direction.
If you see a train coming, wait!
Flashing lights or a lowering gate means a train is approaching. Do not proceed until the gates go completely up and the lights go off. Going around lowered gates on a bike, on foot, or in a vehicle is illegal.
Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
Ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding
Never go around lowered gates.
AVOID crossing while lights are flashing or gates are down. It is illegal and dangerous to do so. Trains have the right of way.
Turn off music and remove earphones at all rail crossings.
Music can be a deadly distraction near the tracks - preventing you from hearing an approaching train.
Never try to beat a train.
Trains can’t stop quickly, and by the time a locomotive engineer sees a vehicle or a person on the tracks, it may be too late.
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Each day, over 25,000 School Bus Drivers across California transport our children back and forth to school. School bus drivers must know how to make informed decisions when driving near tracks and trains. It is important to know the facts about crossing railroad tracks safely.
Slow down,
test your brakes, and activate your four-way hazard lights about 200 feet before the crossing. (If your vehicle has a manual transmission, downshift before you cross.)
Check for traffic around you.
Make sure your intentions to stop are clear. Use a pull-out lane if one is available. Flashers, if necessary.
Prepare the bus:
Put the transmission in neutral, press down on the service brake, or set the parking brakes (depending on your district’s policy). Turn off the AM/FM radio and all other noisy equipment; ask passengers for quiet.
Stop where you have the best view
of the tracks, no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Check beyond the tracks for traffic congestion, a signal, or a stop sign. Be sure the containment area across the tracks is large enough to hold the entire bus, plus 15 feet
Open the service door and driver's window. Look and listen for an approaching train in both directions.
Proceed only after checking the crossing signals.
GO.
When certain that no train is approaching on any track, do not hesitate. Cross in low gear, and do not change gears while crossing. Cross without stopping.
If Your Vehicle Won't Fit, Don't Commit!
Know the length of your bus and size of the containment area at any highway-rail intersections along your bus route. Pay attention to the amount of available room when approaching a crossing with a signal or STOP sign on the opposite side. In case you need to stop, make sure the bus has enough containment or storage area on the other side to completely clear the railroad tracks.
Evacuating a Bus
If your bus stalls or is trapped on tracks, evacuate immediately. Get everyone off the bus and move far away from the tracks, but move in the direction from which the train is coming. This procedure will keep the evacuating students away from the point of impact between the train and the school bus.
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When you are a professional driver, you are always on the move. The more you know about rail safety, the better prepared you will be to deliver your cargo safely every time. Operation Lifesaver provides professional truck drivers with crucial information to safely navigate highway-rail grade crossings. Refer to state and local laws and company policies for additional information.
Eliminate all distractions.
Turn off noisy fans and radios. Look and listen for a train.
Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the crossing.
Look carefully in both directions for approaching trains before crossing.
If necessary, look around visual obstructions. If your view is obstructed, do not attempt to cross. Look both ways twice before crossing.
Know the law.
Trucks carrying hazardous materials are required to STOP at all crossings unless there is an exempt sign posted at the crossing.
Once you begin crossing the tracks, do not hesitate.
Cross without stopping.
If Your Vehicle Doesn’t Fit - Don’t Commit!
If stuck or stalled on the tracks,
evacuate immediately and call the number on the Blue and White sign. Give the crossing identification number so the railroad knows your location.
It can take the average freight train traveling 55 mph a mile or more to stop.
Cell phones are the top distraction for all drivers, and many states prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving.
A standard line haul unit weighing 80,000 pounds and pulling a 53-foot trailer on a level road under good surface conditions requires a minimum of 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.
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What is an Emergency Notification System Sign?
An Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, posted at or near a highway-rail grade crossing lists a telephone number and the crossing’s US DOT number and is used to notify the railroad of an emergency or warning device malfunction.
