What are some things you should and should not do when approaching train tracks?

Question

I'm talking about in general. Whether you are in a vehicle or not, what are some things a person should and should not do? I frequently visit rural communities with a LOT of train tracks, and I'd like to know about some general safety guidelines. Thank you.

Answer 1

The three biggies are stop, look and listen.

"Stop" is not always an option and in many instances will cause a rear-end traffic collision before anything else.  But if stopped at lowered crossing gates, stop BACK as far as practical.  Very heavy stuff often falls off of trains and you may wind up with several tons of something in your lap unless you make some room.  The same goes if you are pedestrian in close proximity to the tracks.  Broken metal banding such as used to secure open lumber loads drags the ground and becomes quite sharp quite quickly.  It'll cut you right in half.  Things can be protruding from the car as well which can strike you.

"Look" is something we can all do.  That doesn't mean a casual glance when you are on top of the tracks.  Really look to see if equipment is approaching before occupying the crossing.  One wouldn't think so, but a quick glance can miss something moving toward the crossing.  In additon, sometimes there is "current of traffic" over a given stretch of tracks that may be lying side by side or seperated by a great distance, where trains operate in one direction on one track and in the opposite direction on the other.  People will get used to see trains operate in one direction all the time on a particular track.  But, sometimes, trains will be authorized to operate "against the current of traffic."  In this case, this one time, a train is approaching from a direction you've gotten used to NOT looking at.  So, always look BOTH ways before occupying any crossing.

"Listen" means turn off the music, roll down the window and listen for an approaching train.  But DON'T count on hearing one.  Whistles can get clogged with snow and cease to operate.  Keep in mind there are also areas designated as a "quiet zone," where engineers are prohibited from blowing the whistle.  This is why you must use your eyes as well.  If walking along the tracks, frequent glances over the shoulder may save a life.  Keep in mind engines don't always pull cars as they shove them araound as well.  A cut of cars being shoved will sneak up on you in near silnce, with the engine a mile or so away from where you are at.

Also when walking along right of way, stay off the top of the rail, even though seeing how far you can walk on it seems a challenging game.  Employees are forbidden from stepping on top of any rail.  There is pleanty of grease, oil and creosote around and you'll slip and fall.  If you hit your head on the other rail, you'll be lying unconcious when the train runs over you.  In addition, on the inside of the rail near the top (ball) of the rail, over time "flash" forms on the inside of the rail due to the wear and tear of millions of steel wheels having passed over it.  It is as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel and will lay your ankle open in a heartbeat if not wearing high top boots.

Often times MOW will leave empty tubes of a caustic material used by them.  If picked up and handled they will cause serious chemical burns to the skin.

Finally, NEVER put your trust in crossing safety devices; gates, lights, bells, etc.  They are NOT fail-safe.  Twice in my own career of 28 years behind the throttle I have operated trains over grade crossings, at speed, where they were inoperative.

So, stop, look and listen at ALL grade crossings, whether protected by electro-mechanical means or not.  And, whenever possible, stay off of the right of way.  Remember, in almost every instance, as soon as you come into the view of the engineer on a train, it is already too late to stop for you.

An excellent safety question that rates a star...

Answer 2

yes or you could stop get out walk around wait for train to come and then wave as they pass then get back in car and drive over tracks.. most people look and keep driving some and slow down