how do you safely cross a railroad?

Answer 1

Good answers thus far, but I would caution you a bit further.

Stop, look and listen is imperative, even if there is grade crossing protection. They do malfunction and are by no means fail safe.

If you are crossing tracks while on foot, step over the rail, not on top of it. Stepping on the rail is a perfect way to invite an injury, as they are often quite slippery and, being near the tracks there's a good chance you have some grease on the soles of your shoes.

In the worst case scenario, you fall, hit your head and knock yourself out, and here comes the train. I'll leave it to your imagination as to what the out come of this will be.

If, again on foot, you must cross the tracks near any standing equipment, do so at least 50' away from the end of the car. One must also realize that you can expect any equipment to move at any time, on any track, in either direction, without warning.

If you must cross between two cars that are uncoupled and standing apart, do not cross unless they are separated by at least 50'. It is a frightfully sickening, gruesome affair when someone gets "coupled up."

If on foot and there is a train passing by, stay back at least 50', if possible. Lading can be protruding from the side of the car or fall off or out of the car, tie down chains can be loose and flopping around on the ground, or, the most dangerous of all, metal bands that secure lumber loads can break on stick out quite far. When it comes to getting cut in half, these bands work better than a Ginsu knife.

If, in your car while a train is passing, stay back as far as reasonably possible. Equipment does derail, and if you don't want to wind up under 140 (or more) tons of something, give yourself a chance at survival. If the guy behind you wants to say "You're number one" with his middle finger, that's just too bad.

It is quite difficult to judge a train's speed. They are large and this distorts one's perception. Do not assume that the train approaching is a slow, plodding creature as most are. There are trains that run on expidited schedules and can be moving toward you at up to 70 MPH for freight, up 125 MPH for passenger. They are chewing up the distance quite quickly.

The best bit of advice is to cross the tracks only when you MUST. Cars and engines are quite ambivalent about your safety and they will kill you if YOU give THEM the chance. Trains don't come looking for you. One must put oneself in danger.

Pay attention, use some common sense, and live a little longer in one piece. And tell someone else to tell someone else, please.

Answer 2

It depends on where you are crossing....

At a busy urban crossing, there should be gates and lights. If the gate is up, generally it is safe to cross.

At a rural crossing, there will probably only be lights. Again, if the lights are not flashing it's safe to cross.

At a remote crossing, it is usually a good idea to stop, look and listen.

Always be aware of the surroundings though, the life you save may be your own.

Answer 3

stop, look, & listen, simple as that