Railroad safety isn’t just for train crews. Whether you’re driving to work, walking your dog, biking through your neighborhood, or taking your kids to school, knowing how to stay safe around railroad tracks can help prevent a tragedy.
At Pickens Railway, safety is one of our core values. As a proud supporter of Operation Lifesaver, we’re committed to helping educate our communities about safe choices around railroad tracks and crossings. Many railroad incidents are preventable, and a few simple reminders can make all the difference.
Always Expect a Train
One of the biggest misconceptions about freight trains is that they run on a fixed schedule. In reality, freight trains don’t operate at the same time every day, and passenger train schedules can change as well.
Even if a track looks quiet, rusty, or overgrown, never assume it’s inactive. Always expect a train. As Operation Lifesaver reminds us, trains can operate on any track, in either direction, at any time.
Railroad Tracks Are Private Property
Railroad tracks may seem like a convenient shortcut, but they’re private property and walking on or along the tracks is both illegal and dangerous.
Tracks, bridges, trestles, and railroad yards are not designed for pedestrians. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing equipped with signs, lights, or gates.
Drivers: Take Railroad Crossings Seriously
Every time you approach a railroad crossing:
- Slow down and pay attention.
- Never drive around lowered gates or flashing warning lights.
- Make sure there’s enough room to completely clear the tracks before crossing.
- Be aware that more than one train may be approaching, even after the first train has passed.
- Remember that trains always have the right of way.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck on the Tracks
While it’s something no driver expects, knowing what to do can save lives.
If your vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks:
- Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately.
- Move away from the tracks.
- Locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign near the crossing and call the emergency number listed, providing the crossing identification number.
Never stay inside the vehicle trying to move it at the last second. Your safety comes first.
Stay Alert as a Pedestrian or Cyclist
If you’re walking, jogging, or riding a bike near railroad tracks:
- Cross only at designated crossings.
- Remove headphones and avoid looking at your phone while crossing.
- Look both directions before crossing, even if warning devices are not activated.
- Wait until gates are fully raised and warning lights stop flashing before crossing.
- If you’re riding a bicycle, consider walking it across the tracks at a right angle to help prevent your wheels from getting caught.
Distractions can prevent you from seeing or hearing an approaching train. Staying alert is one of the most important ways to stay safe.
Keep a Safe Distance
Freight trains are much larger than they appear and extend beyond the width of the rails. According to Operation Lifesaver, you should stay at least 15 feet away from railroad tracks while waiting for a train to pass.
Even after the locomotive has gone by, another train could be approaching on a nearby track.
Trains Can’t Stop Like Cars Can
One of the most important railroad safety facts to remember is that trains simply can’t stop quickly.
An average freight train traveling around 55 mph can take more than a mile, roughly the length of 18 football fields, to come to a complete stop. By the time an engineer sees someone on the tracks, it may already be too late to avoid a collision.
That’s why it’s so important to never try to “beat the train” or assume it can stop in time.
Railroad Safety Tips to Remember
When you’re around railroad tracks, remember these simple but important safety tips:
- Always expect a train, even if the tracks appear inactive.
- Cross only at designated railroad crossings.
- Never walk on railroad tracks or through railroad yards.
- Stay at least 15 feet away from the tracks when a train passes.
- Never drive around lowered crossing gates.
- Put your phone away and remove headphones near tracks and crossings.
- If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out immediately and call the emergency number posted at the crossing.
Safety Starts With Awareness
Railroad safety isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness. Whether you’re behind the wheel, walking with your family, or simply passing through a railroad crossing, taking a few extra moments to stay alert can help prevent serious accidents.
At Pickens Railway, we’re proud to support Operation Lifesaver and its mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities at railroad crossings and around railroad tracks through education and awareness. Together, we can help keep our communities safe by making smart decisions around railroad tracks and crossings.
Always expect a train.