Rail Safety Tips

• Expect a train at any time on any track! Be certain you can stop safely if a train is approaching.
• Stay alert for rail crossing signs, lights, and warning devices.
• Look both ways before crossing a train track.

• 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.

• Do not attempt to cross the tracks unless you are certain the vehicle you are driving will clear on the other side. Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.
  
  
• Look up and down the tracks. It is difficult to judge the distance and approach speed of a train as it moves toward the crossing. If in doubt, be safe, stop, and wait.
  
  
• Slow down and be prepared to stop at the first railroad warning sign.
  
  
• Be cautious for obstructions which may block the view of an approaching train, such as: vegetation, buildings, standing railcars, etc.

• Use designated walkways to cross train tracks. Often times rail passengers cross the tracks after getting off the train in order to get to their automobile or destination faster. Trains operate at speeds up to 135 mph and have no way to stop to avoid hitting trespassers in the track area and it can be very difficult to judge the speed of a train.
  
  
• Passengers on trains should not ride in the vestibule area (the area with the doors to the outside of the train). MARC train conductors have been instructed to hold trains if necessary if passengers will not cooperate.

Links within this web site:

Pedestrian Safety


Links to other web sites:

Maryland Strategic Highway Safety Plan



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Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 December 2008 08:35