Railroad Safety
Course Program
Course Description
This training provides essential knowledge on railroad safety, focusing on preventing accidents near tracks, understanding train behavior, and promoting safe practices for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Participants will learn life-saving strategies to reduce risks and protect their communities.
The Reality of Railroad Accidents:
Frequency and severity of train collisions in the U.S.
Why trains are quieter, faster, and harder to judge than expected
Why Railroad Accidents Are So Deadly:
Trains’ inability to stop quickly (over a mile to halt a freight train)
Safety zones and optical illusions affecting speed and distance judgment
Risks of distractions like headphones or phones near tracks
Common Risky Behaviors:
Trespassing on tracks and ignoring crossing signals
Taking shortcuts or stalling on tracks without knowing emergency steps
7 Steps for Safe Highway-Rail Grade Crossing:
Approaching crossings with care, looking and listening both ways
Ensuring complete clearance before crossing and keeping vehicles moving
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:
Using designated crossings and avoiding tracks, bridges, and tunnels
Walking bikes across tracks at a 90-degree angle
Emergency Actions for Stuck Vehicles:
Evacuating immediately and moving far from tracks
Calling the emergency number on the blue and white sign at crossings
Community Action and Education:
Operation Lifesaver’s free rail safety presentations and resources
Public service campaigns like #STOPTrackTragedies
Volunteer opportunities to spread awareness and save lives
How You Can Help Save Lives:
Sharing safety tips, staying alert, and reporting unsafe conditions