Safety Near Railroad Tracks - Walking, Driving and Photography
Walking Safety
Since 2014, there has been a significant rise in fatalities and injuries resulting from photography including selfies, walkers, runners, and other pedestrians who choose to walk or play around railroad tracks. Not only is this practice extremely hazardous and dangerous, but it is also ILLEGAL!
Selfie Tragedy Forever Impacts Those Left Behind - Courtesy of Union Pacific
North Dakota Criminal Trespassing Laws: North Dakota Century Code Section 12.1-22-03
For more information, check out: Operation Lifesaver: Walking Safely Near Tracks
Driving Safety
Too many times vehicles are caught between a grade crossing and a train due to drivers not paying attention to their surroundings or attempting to beat the train. Remember, when it comes to trains and cars, trains always win.
- Trains cannot stop quickly. Did you know that in an emergency situation, it can take a freight train traveling 55 MPH 1 mile (5,280 feet) or more to stop? Compare that to a car traveling at the same speed. In an emergency situation, the car is able to stop in approximately 200 feet of 1/26th of a mile.
- Trains cannot swerve, they only follow the tracks.
- Expect a train anytime. Many decades ago, you could set your watch by the time schedule the railroads kept. This is not the case anymore. Trains do not follow set schedules.
- Trains are moving faster than you think. The average freight train travels between 55 and 60 MPH. That's 1 mile every minute.
- Trains are closer than they appear. Due to an optical illusion caused by distance and size, trains appear to be moving at a much slower speed then they actually are.
For more information, check out: Operation Lifesaver: Driving Safely Near Tracks
Photographers
While railroad tracks and equipment can make for quite a dramatic backdrop for scenic or family pictures, they can also be the backdrop of tragedy and death. Railroads are operating businesses that do not run on set schedules, and while you may feel that you know a track is abandoned, trains can travel on any track, at any time, from either direction. Taking pictures in/on/around railroad tracks and equipment is not only dangerous, it is illegal. Railroads are private property.
Watch John-John's Tragic Story - Courtesy of Operation Lifesaver
For more information, check out: Operation Lifesaver: Photographers and Filmmakers
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