It might seem impossible for a pedestrian to be surprised by an advancing train while walking on or near the tracks. You should be able to see a train, hear it and feel the ground shake with plenty of warning, right?

Yes, for the most part. But experts point out these facts:

Trains move fast: About a decade ago, most local freight trains were authorized to increase their speeds to 60 mph and passenger trains to 79 mph.

They stop slowly: A typical freight train can weigh approximately 6,000 tons. A 100-car freight train traveling at 55 mph will need more than a mile to stop – that’s approximately 18 football fields – once the train is set into emergency braking.

They’re quieter than ever: It used to be that 39-foot-long rail sections were bolted together. Today half-mile sections of tracks are welded together, eliminating the telltale “clackety clack.” A person with his or her back to a train might not hear it until it’s 100 feet away.

They’re wider than you think: A train may extend 3 feet or more outside the steel rail, which makes the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the rails themselves.

They can run side by side: Double sets of tracks are more dangerous than single tracks because a train could be on either one. There could be a train on each track at the same time and proceeding in the same or opposite directions.

They can change directions: Trains can move in either direction at any time. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled. This is especially true in commuter and light-rail passenger service.

They present an optical illusion: To the untrained eye, approaching trains do not appear to be moving as fast as they are.

People are more distracted: At least two fatalities this year involved pedestrians talking on cell phones.

 • Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection at any time.
 • Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
 • All train tracks are private property. Anyone found walking across or on them can be cited for trespassing.
 • If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks rusty.
 • 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. Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.
 • Do not hunt or fish from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.
 • Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time.

 • Call 911.
 • Or for a specific railway track, call rail police:
BNSF: 1-800-832-5452, press 1
Union Pacific Railroad: 1-888-877-7267

Operation Lifesaver: www.oli.org
To set up a presentation contact the state coordinator, Bob Boston.
E-mail bboston@wutc.wa.gov
Phone 360-664-1264
Fax 360-586-1150
PO Box 47250
Olympia, WA 98504