RAILROAD SAFETY TIPS ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW
Understanding railroad safety might not be high on your priority list, but it should be. Making risky choices around railroad tracks can result in devastating consequences. And train tragedies happen much more than you probably think.
In the United States, a person or car is struck by a train every three hours. Keep yourself and the people around you safe from tragic railroad accidents by learning these railroad safety rules.
How Much Do You Know About Railroad Safety?
You might know your fair share of street safety, but how much do you really know about railroad safety? Before we cover how to stay safe around railways, let’s test your knowledge with 3 true or false questions.
1. It’s illegal to walk along or beside railroad tracks.
2. A motorist involved in a train and motor vehicle collision is 40 times more likely to die than someone involved in an accident between two cars.
3. 50% of train collisions happen in unmarked areas without gates.
5 General Rail Safety Tips
Out of all the data we’ve gathered related to railroad safety, there are a few general themes that seem to be repeated the most. Whether you’re a driver, biker, or pedestrian, these 5 rules are the foundation of all railway safety tips:
1. Always expect a train. Train schedules can change often. Freight services don’t typically run on a routine schedule and passenger services experience periodic delays. The best way to protect yourself and others — in a car, on foot, or any other mode of transportation — is to always expect a train is approaching.
2. Trains always have the right of way. It can take up to the length of 2 full football fields for a train to come to a complete stop. Therefore, a train will always have priority over cars, pedestrians, and even emergency vehicles like ambulances and cop cars.
3. Stay 15 feet away from tracks at all times. Trains are never the same width of the tracks they run on. In fact, they can overhang the tracks by several feet on either side. Therefore, railroad safety regulations recommend maintaining a safe distance of at least 15 feet from tracks.
4. Tracks should only be crossed at designated crossing areas. Never cross a railroad track in an unmarked area. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) designates railroad crossing locations for a reason, with proper precautions that alert cars or people that a train is near. Unmarked areas don’t have these same lights, gates, or sounds, making it extremely difficult to know if a train is approaching.
5. Always stay alert around railroad tracks. The best way to protect yourself from disaster is to eliminate any distractions when you’re near railroad tracks. Trains travel much faster and quieter than most people realize. If you’re texting, listening to music, or taking pictures/videos, you might not hear the warning signals or have time to react before it’s too late.
Railroad Safety For Drivers
When it comes to driver safety, there are a few additional measures that drivers should take to avoid any railroad casualties. It’s recommended that drivers:
1. Always look both ways for oncoming traffic. Looking left, right, then left again is one of the first road safety rules we are taught as children. When it comes to crossing railroad tracks in your car, this principle is steadfast. Even at crossings with flashing lights and gates, it’s a good idea for drivers to come to a stop and look both ways before crossing the tracks.
2. Only cross at marked areas. As we mentioned above, railroad tracks should only be crossed by vehicles at marked crossings. The FRA regulates these areas to create the safest conditions for drivers to cross safely. Unmarked areas don’t have the same precautions, so even if you think the track is clear, there are no warning signals or alerts to warn drivers of an oncoming train.
3. Never stop on a track. Stopping on a railroad track is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Railroad safety guidelines recommend that drivers stay put until they are 100% certain that the car can clear the tracks by at least 15 feet. If your car happens to get stuck on the tracks, exit the car immediately and call the emergency number posted at the railroad crossing.
4. NEVER try to beat a train. If lights are flashing and gates are starting to come down, wait until the train passes and the gates come back up to cross the tracks. You might be in a hurry and think you can beat the approaching train, but trains are much faster than we think. Remember, it’s better to show up late than not show up at all.
5. Multiple tracks mean multiple trains. It’s safest to always assume a second train is approaching at stops with multiple track signs/signals. Only proceed to cross after waiting, looking both ways, and determining that the tracks are clear to cross.
Railroad Crossing Safety For Pedestrians
The FRA reported that there were 1,378 pedestrian trespass casualties in 2023 — 715 of which resulted in death. That statistic isn’t meant to cause fear. It’s shared to show how serious the consequences of improper railroad safety can be.
Luckily, most of these casualties can be prevented if pedestrians follow these important rail safety tips.
1. We’ve said it already and we’ll keep saying it: only cross at designated locations. This is the undeniable golden rule of railroad crossing safety for pedestrians. Even if the railroad tracks look and sound clear, pedestrians should never take shortcuts or cross at unmarked locations. This includes climbing through or under train cars that have come to a halt or appear to be stopped on the tracks. You never know when the train might start back up.
2. Never climb railroad bridges, trestles, and tunnels. These areas are designed to accommodate space for passing train cars, and passing train cars only. Entering tunnels or climbing trestles that look retired could have inescapable consequences. Protect yourself by staying away from these vulnerable locations.
3. Never mix rails and recreation. As we mentioned earlier, refrain from texting, taking photos, using headphones, or anything else that can take your attention away from spotting and reacting to oncoming trains. Even the smallest distractions can result in the worst if pedestrians don’t stay alert.
Railroad Safety Rules To Teach Kids
Whether or not you live in an area where your family commutes by train, we highly recommend you start teaching your children these railroad safety rules when you start outlining other road safety rules.
1. Always walk in train stations. Running, skipping, or prancing around in the station or around the railroad tracks is dangerous and puts children at risk of tripping — or worse, falling onto the tracks.
2. Always walk bikes, scooters, or skateboards on the station platforms. Right along with that last point, all transportation devices like scooters, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. should be carried or wheeled around the station platforms to prevent any potential falls or collisions that put your child or others in the station at risk.
3. Always stay behind the yellow pavement markings or bumps. Just like some schools have markings on the sidewalks at bus drop-off and pick-up locations, some train stations employ the same pavement markings. These are put in place to keep onboarding passengers at a safe distance from the tracks as oncoming trains approach the station.
4. Never pick up an item that drops on the tracks. While it might seem possible, no child (or adult) should ever try to retrieve an item that falls along the railroad tracks. As we’ve mentioned repeatedly, trains travel much faster and quieter than ever before. Even though the tracks may look clear, a train can approach at any time. Reiterate to them that items — despite how meaningful — are all replaceable; but their lives are not.
Railroad Safety Signs All People Should Know
Continuing along, here’s a quick refresher on the basic railroad signs that all licensed drivers should know to keep themselves, their passengers, and other drivers safe on the road:
Crossbucks
Crossbuck signs alert approaching traffic to yield at train crossings. Remember, trains always have the right of way, so be sure to stop, look, and then cross when it’s safe.
Multiple Tracks
This small sign informs travelers that there are 2 tracks at the crossing. Drivers or pedestrians should stay alert and look out for a second approaching train in areas without gates or flashing lights.
Flashing Red Lights
Flashing red lights means a train is approaching, alerting people it’s not safe to cross. If you’re crossing the tracks as the lights begin, finish crossing as fast as possible.
Lowering Gates and Flashing Red Lights
Some marked crossings use gates and flashing lights to alert oncoming traffic when a train is approaching. Even if you don’t see the train, do not cross the tracks until the gate raises back up. It is illegal to drive or walk around lowered gates.
Advance Warnings
These signs are usually the first of many warnings that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Drivers should use this as a sign to slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to stop.
Pavement Markings
RXR pavement markings are another indication you’re approaching a railroad crossing. When you spot this marking, you should come to a complete stop behind the white stop line. (If there’s no stop line, stop at least 15 feet before the tracks before proceeding to look and cross.)
Emergency Notification Systems (EMS)
This is the safety label posted at the railroad crossing that people should call in the event of an emergency. Call this number if a car stalls on the tracks, there’s a train derailment, there’s faulty equipment, or there’s debris on the tracks.
Low Ground Clearance
Mainly a sign for vehicles that drive low to the ground — for instance, buses, trucks, trailers, or certain sports cars. They communicate to drivers that they shouldn’t cross until they know their vehicle can cross the tracks without getting hung up.
Why Is Railroad Safety Important?
Preventing tragedy & protecting lives is the most important reason that schools, parents, and all adults should start advocating for railroad safety. Trains are truly powerful machines and it’s important we know how to behave appropriately around them.
If you’re interested in learning more about railroad safety prevention, Operation Lifesaver is a great resource to start. From reports to PSAs to downloadable safety materials, they are dedicated to #STOPTrackCasualties.
Ride along railroad tracks safely at Strasburg Rail Road. Book tickets for a full-steam adventure today!