How to cross train tracks safely?

Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes.



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7 Steps for Safety - Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (Visor Card)
  1. Approach with care. Warn others that you are slowing down. ...
  2. Prepare to stop. ...
  3. Look both ways and listen carefully. ...
  4. If it won't fit, don't commit. ...
  5. Look again. ...
  6. Cross tracks with care. ...
  7. Keep going once you start, even if lights start to flash or gates come down.


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Look both ways, lean forward to see around mirrors to get the best view of the tracks in both directions. Using the highest gear allowed, cross with care and without shifting gears. Time your crossing safely and account for the extra length of your vehicle to cross all of the tracks safely.

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Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.

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Reduce your speed when approaching crossings and look both ways. Look and listen for trains even if the red lights and crossing arms aren't active. Reduce speed when approaching crossings and look both ways. Be sure all tracks are clear before crossing — there may be more than one set.

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Be especially alert at crossings that do not have gates or flashing red light signals. train on the other track. Look both ways before crossing. After one train has cleared a crossing, be sure no other trains are near before starting across the tracks.

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Warns of an approaching train. When the red lights are flashing, a train is approaching. Stop and wait for the train to pass, then proceed when it is clearly safe to do so.

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Never drive straight across speed bumps or railroad tracks. Cross slowly at a 45-degree angle. Maintain steering control by keeping contact with the ground at all times. If an area is cluttered, walk the route first to spot problems.

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Look both ways TWICE before crossing a railroad track. Never engage in a race with a train to cross the tracks. Keep a minimum distance of 15 feet from the tracks when stopped.

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While crossing a railroad (or a speed bump), you need to slow down, mainly to negotiate the uneven surface. Essentially, you take your foot off the accelerator and put it on the brake pedal.

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Never Try to Beat a Train The main reason is that it can take a train moving 55 mph over a mile to come to a complete stop if they pull the emergency brake. So there's no chance they can stop if you hit some bad luck and break down on the tracks.

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Electricity is easily the most dangerous factor in stepping on the track – it's always switched on and nine out of ten people die when they're struck by it. You can't outrun a train. And even if you could, you wouldn't hear it coming, as today's trains almost silently reach speeds of 125mph.

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It is illegal to go around the gates. Warns of an approaching train and used to close the road when a train approaches. It is only legal to drive around lowered gates if the crossing is flagged by a law officer or railroad employee.

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To minimise this rail spreading effect rails are often laid so they are tilted (inclined) slightly inward towards the centre of the track. This equalises the load through the fasteners and avoids the rails being spread apart in use.

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