Safety Tips

Pedestrian Safety Tips

graphic for no walking or biking on train tracks
  • The only safe, and legal, place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing designated with either a rail crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate.
  • All railroad tracks are private property and trespassers can be arrested or fined, according to North Carolina General Statute.
  • Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. There might be a second train approaching.
  • Stop and look in both directions. The train you see is closer and moving faster than it seems.
  • Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks. Tracks are not a shortcut.

Driver Safety

graphic of cars stopped at the train crossing must stay behind the white line
  • It takes a train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile to stop - that's more than 18 football fields.
  • Never drive around lowered gates. It's illegal and deadly.
  • Trains always have the right-of-way, even over police, fire and ambulance vehicles.
  • Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If you stop to wait for a train at a traffic signal, always stop safely behind the white line.
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