Pedestrian Safety

• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine.

• Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.

• It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly spots you ahead has little chance to miss you. Railroad property is private property. For your safety, it is illegal to be there unless you are at a designated public crossing.

• Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train.

• The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.

• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.

• Flashing red lights signal that a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Stay Alive! DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.

• If you are in a rail yard uninvited, you are trespassing and subject to criminal prosecution. The worst penalty is death.

• DO NOT hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges!

• DO NOT attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.

• Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any Time is Train Time!

• Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.

• Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
• Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
• Remember: Rails and recreation do not mix!