Lake Station Community Schools

Railroad Safety Tips

Pedestrian Rail Safety Tips:
Tips from: https://www.up.com/aboutup/community/safety/index.htm

• Only cross at designated crossings, located where streets intersect with railroad tracks. You’ll know you’re at the right place if you see warning signs or signals.
• Look both ways when approaching railroad crossings, and stop for trains.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the tracks when trains approach. Trains are three feet wider than the rails, so wait behindthe warning signs or signals.
• Never walk between the rails or areas that are not designated railroad crossings, it is dangerous and illegal. While the public can cross the tracks at railroad crossings, rail lines and yards are private property.
• Avoid distractions including loud music, texting and talking on cell phones. Look up and listen for train horns.
• Look twice at crossings with multiple tracks. Two tracks may mean two trains, so make sure all tracks are clear before crossing each rail line.

Track Safety Basics
Tips from: https://oli.org/

• Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains often change. Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection at any time.
• All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it's illegal trespass and highly dangerous. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
• The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; it can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car. We all know what happens to a soda can hit by a car.
• 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. If there are rails on the railroad ties, always assume the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks unused.
• Trains can move in either direction at any time. Sometimes its cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
• Today's trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale "clackety-clack." Any approaching train is always closer, moving faster, than you think.
• Remember to cross train tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.
• Stay alert around railroad tracks. Refrain from texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.

Driving SAfely Near Tracks
Tips from: https://oli.org/

• Trains and cars don't mix.
• The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. 
• Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
• Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly. 
• Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely 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. 
• At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
• When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
• ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.