MMSD TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

NEWS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION OFFICE
APRIL

RAILROAD SAFETY TIPS

1. DO NOT WALK ON OR NEAR RAILS OR CLIMB ON RAILROAD CARS. Walking on the rails may seem like fun, but you're taking the chance of being hit by the train.

2. WHEN CROSSING THE RAILROAD TRACKS ON FOOT, ALWAYS CROSS AT THE GRADE CROSSING AND OBEY ALL SIGNS AND SIGNALS.

3. STAY OFF RAILROAD BRIDGES. They are not wide enough for both you and a train to be there at the same time -- and it is YOU that will get trapped.

4. NEVER DRIVE OR WALK AROUND GATES. If the gates are down, stop and stay in place. DO NOT cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.

5. EXPECT A TRAIN ON ANY TRACK AT ANY TIME. Most trains do not travel on a regular schedule. Be cautious at a grade crossing at any time of the day or night.

6. DON'T GET TRAPPED ON A GRADE CROSSING. Never drive onto a grade crossing until you are sure you can clear the tracks. Once you have started across the tracks, keep going.

7. GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE IF IT STALLS. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out and off the tracks immediately. If a train is coming, quickly move away from the tracks but in the direction from which the train is approaching.

8. WATCH FOR VEHICLES THAT MUST STOP AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS. Be prepared to stop when you are following buses or trucks that are required to stop at highway-rail grade crossings.

9. TRAINS CAN'T STOP QUICKLY -- YOU CAN. Using railroad tracks as a playground or shortcut may shortcut your life. Always remember to LOOK...LISTEN...AND LIVE!!