Railroad safety is important for everyone. Whether you’re walking, driving, or biking near railroad crossings, making safe decisions around tracks can help prevent serious injuries and accidents. At Pickens Railway Company, safety is a responsibility we take seriously both on the railroad and throughout the communities we serve. A few simple precautions can make a major difference around railroad tracks and crossings.
Warns drivers that a highway-rail crossing is ahead. Reminds them to reduce speed, stay alert, look carefully in both directions, and listen for an approaching train. Drivers should be prepared to stop if a train is approaching or occupying the crossing.
Indicates that a Quiet Zone has been established, where train horns are not routinely sounded at highway-rail crossings. Drivers should not rely on hearing a horn, as trains may approach quietly. The locomotive engineer may still sound the horn in emergency situations or when workers or other hazards are present near the tracks.
Alerts drivers of long wheelbase vehicles or trailers of a potential hang-up situation at the crossing. All drivers need to make sure that their vehicle has cleared the tracks once they cross over. If your vehicle wont fit, don’t commit. Do not enter a crossing unless you can drive completely through without stopping!
Warns that a highway-rail intersection is located immediately after making either a right or left turn onto the roadway. Alerts drivers that railroad tracks are just beyond the intersection and reminds them to slow down, look both ways, listen for an approaching train, and be prepared to stop.
Provides the railroad's emergency contact information and a unique crossing identification number. If your vehicle is stuck on the tracks or you need to report a problem, use the ENS sign to contact the railroad immediately. Be ready to provide the crossing ID so responders can quickly identify your location.
The average locomotive weighs approximately 400,000 pounds, or 200 tons, and some trains can weigh thousands of tons. The weight ratio between a car and a train has often been compared to that of a soda can and a car. In any collision, the train will always win.
Safe decisions around railroad tracks help protect drivers, pedestrians, railroad employees, and entire communities.
Pickens Railway is proud to support railroad safety education through Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities around railroad tracks and crossings through education and public awareness. Educational presentations and rail safety resources are available for schools, community groups, and organizations interested in learning more about railroad safety.
Pickens Railway has consistently earned the ASLRRA “Jake With Distinction” Award, recognizing short line railroads that achieve the highest levels of workplace safety. We remain committed to maintaining a strong culture of safety while helping educate the communities we proudly serve throughout the Upstate.
