Can you get prosecuted for standing in front of an oncomming train causing it to stop/break??

Question

And is this dangerous for anyone else besides the person doing it?

Answer 1

Yes you can be prosecuted, but more importantly, you will most likely be killed. Do you think that prosecution should be your main concern. Trains cannot usually stop within sighting distance of most obstructions. Mental health would probably be my first concern if I were asking this question.

Answer 2

Some very good answers above.

Yes, you are subject to prosecution, and for far worse than trespassing., depending what state you are in. Consider this, as it also answers the question if this is dangerous to anyone else.

Any time a freight train is placed into emergency braking, extremely high levels of force are generated. These forces traverse the length of the train through the various components of the draft gear (couplers, draw bars, center sill, etc.). These forces are then imparted to the running gear and track structure where wheel meets rail. The chances for a derailment sky-rocket, as well as the chances for someone dying in the crash or from the aftermath in a hazardous material spill.

I don't even have to ask dpooch why he, and myself amongst most others, wouldn't dump the air and put the train into emergency until after impact. Not only dangerous to others, but deadly to others.

Now for the prosecution. In the state of California, at least, if one's actions cause a train wreck where there is loss of life, then that person can be found guilty of a capital offense and join Scott Peterson on San Quentin's "death row." And well they should be.

One should also keep in mind that when dealing with trains, people are not only breaking local or state law, but Federal law as well. Not only will police be looking for you, but the FBI will as well, and I hear Levenworth is not nearly as cheerful as a state prison. People at this level are not the ones sentenced to three year's vacation at Allenwood.

The bottom line is, trains are nothing to be screwing around with.

Answer 3

First off you are trespassing. I don't think you would survive the encounter, but yes if your behavior results in damage to property or persons you certainly could be. From the head end I don't think we'd be capable of stopping past a certain point even at yard limits / restricted speed - depending on how heavy a train we have. More than once we've hit cars at crossings even with the air in full emergency.

For passengers, if it throws someone to the floor of a car - this could cause serious injury. For a bystander, if there is a derail
then you won't want to be anywhere near the train.

Answer 4

Absolutely. But it had better be going slow, bcuz a freight train at 55mph will take almost a mile or better on level ground from the time the brakes are applied, well equipped passenger trains roughly half that. Unless you are in the middle of a public thoroughfare crossing, any other place on the tracks is trespassing. If an engineman must put his brakes into emergency to stop in these distances not only can people be thrown foward, but it also causes wheels to lock up and slide causing them to develop costly flat spots, not just damaging the wheel, but also turning it into a hammer on the rails for every revolution it turns afterward. Lots of wheels, lots of hammering.

Answer 5

Yes, you are trespassing on private property! Plan and simple!
Not only are you putting yourself in danger, you are putting the train crew in danger. If they think at the last min., they are going to hit you, they will put the train in emergency. sometimes if the train has the right conditions such as on a curve or maybe on a switch, you could derail the train and possibly hurt or kill the crew. Remember, on the BNSF railway, most if not all trains have cameras on the front and are very hi quality videos. So, next time, smile big. that way when your face is on the news, you will have a picture of your last smile before you go to jail!

Answer 6

Yes I think think you can and I have heard that from using the emergency brakes it can cause some trains to derail. I hope you would have enough common sense not to do anything that stupid. Possibly causing people tramatic exoerience or even harm. What if you are joking and actually get stuck in the rails? Do you not value your life that much? Please don't joke around like that, it's not funny. Watch the Good Son with McCauley Culkin in it and see how their joke caused so much pain and destruction adn then think again about your little game.

Answer 7

I am an Engineer and I promise to apply the emergency brake immediately after impact. And no you will not be prosecuted but you will be judged by a Higher Power. And I will not take off work to attend your funeral. And it will not be my first time. And the report I fill out is not quite a page long.

Answer 8

you could get prosecuted of course , but you wont...... know why? you will probably die . How many trains do you know have been able to stop in time..enough fingers in one hand.
In the possibility that is able to stop, abruptly.. passengers as you know don't wear sea belts , plus the ones who are not on the seats.... many felling in the floor, vulnerable people like elderly and children can really get hurt ,some may die..and also psychological trauma.

Answer 9

WELL IF THEY FIND ALL THE BODY PARTS YOU MIGHT GO TO JAIL AND HOW INSENSITIVE ARE YOU DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT MENTAL, EMOTIONAL DAMAGE YOU WOULD DO TO THE DRIVER? ARE YOU UNCARING THAT MUCH? AND YES IT COULD CAUSE THE TRAIN TO DERAIL AND OTHER PEOPLE COULD BE HURT OR KILLED TRYING TO SAVE YOU A MANIAC ON THE TRACKS IF IT WERE ME I WOULD NOT STOP LEVEL OF DEDUCTION SAVE 100 KILL ONE

Answer 10

No Idea, However it does carry the death penalty if the train dont stop