Kane County Reporter

This Rail Safety Week, Operation Lifesaver has shared several important tips to help individuals stay safe around railroad tracks.

The organization emphasizes that freight trains do not adhere to fixed schedules, and passenger train schedules often change. Therefore, it is crucial always to expect a train. "Freight trains don’t travel at fixed times. Schedules for passenger trains often change. Always expect a train."

Operation Lifesaver also reminds the public that all train tracks are private property. Walking on them constitutes illegal trespassing and poses significant danger. "All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it’s illegal trespass and highly dangerous."

The stopping distance of a freight train traveling at 55 mph exceeds a mile, equivalent to the length of 18 football fields, highlighting the difficulty trains have in stopping quickly. "It takes the average freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly."

A typical locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons but can weigh up to 6,000 tons, making its weight ratio compared to a car similar to that of a soda can hit by a car. "The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; it can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car."

Trains always have the right of way over pedestrians and vehicles, including police and emergency vehicles. "Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over pedestrians and vehicles, including police and emergency vehicles."

To ensure safety near tracks, individuals should maintain at least a 15-foot distance from them since trains overhang their tracks. Even if tracks appear unused or covered with weeds, they should be assumed active.

Trains can move on any track in either direction at any time; sometimes they are pushed by locomotives rather than pulled, especially in commuter and light rail services.

Modern trains are quieter than ever before and may move faster than expected without producing traditional noises like “clackety-clack.” Only trains belong on the tracks.

Crossing train tracks should only occur at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings while obeying posted warning signs and signals.

Finally, staying alert around railroad tracks is critical—refrain from texting or using headphones that could prevent hearing an approaching train as mixing rails with recreation is unsafe.