SAFETY TIPS

• Never go through the flashing lights at a railroad-highway grade crossing. It is illegal and deadly.

• Do not get trapped or "boxed in" on a railroad-highway grade crossing. Never drive onto a railroad-highway grade crossing until you are sure you can clear the tracks safely. If you are in traffic, do not start across the tracks until you are certain you can safely cross the entire track and clear the crossing. Wait on the approach to a railroad-highway grade crossing until there is room for your vehicle on the other side.

• DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACKS! If you start across the tracks and the warning lights activate, continue to the other side. Do not stop or attempt to back up. If you get trapped on a railroad-highway grade crossing and a train is approaching, act fast. Get out of your motor vehicle and off the tracks without a second's delay. Run parallel to the tracks in the direction of the approaching train. Running in this direction will help to prevent injury from flying debris. Remember that the train cannot stop in time. A motor vehicle is replaceable, but you are not.

• Never try to judge a train's speed or distance. It is easy to misjudge a train's speed and distance. Because of its large size, a train always appears to be moving much slower than you think. If you are in doubt, stop and wait for the train to pass.

• Do not try to beat a train at a railroad-highway grade crossing. When it's a tie at a crossing between your car and a train, you lose.

• Expect a train on any track in any direction at any time.

• Cross the tracks only at designated locations. If you must cross the railroad tracks, use only designated crossings such as the railroad-highway grade crossings. Remember, it is illegal and deadly to cross at any other location.

• Stay away from trains, railroad tracks, railroad yards and railroad equipment. Trains, railroad tracks, railroad yards and railroad equipment are private property. Trespassers are subject to arrest and fines.

• Railroad tracks are private property. You can be arrested and fined for trespassing on them. This includes (but is not limited to) walking, riding a bicycle, operating a motorcycle, dirt bike, ATV, snowmobile, or taking a shortcut on the railroad track and right of way.