Have you ever seen what a car looks like after being hit by a train? Can you imagine that impact on an individual?
Railroads are in a constant battle with trespassers.
Similar to walking down the middle of a busy highway, trespassing on railroad property is dangerous.. Just like an airport runway, virtually all railroad tracks are private property - even abandoned ones, or ones you assume are abandoned.. A significant problem railroads are encountering these days is photography on railroad tracks and bridges.
When rationalizing whether or not to utilize railroad property for photography, here is an analogy: Would you use a stranger’s house or yard for a photoshoot, just because they aren’t home? Obviously, the reasonable answer is NO! So, why would one think it’s OK to take a picture on railroad tracks, just because you can’t see a train at that moment? Even if the tracks are near your own back yard, it is still trespassing to be on them - similar to the fact that it would be trespassing to be in your neighbor’s yard without permission.
You will not always be able to hear trains coming, and by the time the engineer sees you, it could be too late. Trains cannot stop on a dime; it can take up to a mile for a train to come to a complete stop.
Think you know the train’s schedule? Think again. Anytime is train time. If a customer needs a railcar, railroads will deliver that railcar, no matter what day or time it is.
So, when a photographer asks you to pose on railroad tracks or a railroad bridge, that photographer is making you an accomplice to a crime and putting your life (and/or the life of your family) in danger.
Please be smart. Keep yourself and your loved ones off of railroad tracks, and be safe.
You can learn more about railroad safety and statistics from Operation Lifesaver at oli.org.
Know what to do if you get stuck on railroad tracks!
Stay Off - Stay Safe
You can stop, trains can't!
The average train takes a mile to come to a complete stop!
It is ILLEGAL and DANGEROUS to take pictures on railroad tracks!
Railroad tracks (even abandoned tracks) are private property.
You wouldn't take pictures in the middle of the highway..
You wouldn't use a stranger's yard to take pictures..
Railroad property is up to 200 feet from the center of the railroad track; also known as a railroad's right-of-way. Entering a railroad's right-of-way without permission/supervision is considered trespassing.
Photography of our trains from public property is allowed, but for areas where public property is close to or connects with our tracks (like at grade crossings) be mindful of your surroundings. Trains are on average three feet wider than the tracks. Keep at a safe distance when taking your photos. When taking photos near railroad property, please wear applicable safety gear (wearing bright, fluorescent, or reflective clothing will make it easier for the train crew to see you).
Using our tracks for photo sessions without our permission and supervision is dangerous and will be treated as trespassing. A photo shoot on railroad property could result in injury or even death.
Any time is train time!
Trains are quieter than you might think. It's not safe to assume you will be able to hear a train and get out of the way before it is too late.
Click the images below to download railroad safety flyers
Quick points for sharing the message of rail safety
Please, in whatever way you can, help us share the message of rail safety!
ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules. If a customer asks the railroad for an emergency shipment, the train will run – which can be at any time or on any day. Any time is train time.
BEING ON TRACKS IS ILLEGAL! Railroad tracks, bridges, yards, and rights-of-way are private property. Being on them is no different than sneaking into someone’s house or business without permission. Even if the tracks look abandoned, 1- they may not be and 2- they are still private property. Don’t be a criminal – stay off railroad tracks!
BEING ON RAILROAD TRACKS IS DANGEROUS! Trains cannot stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks. It can take a train up to a mile to stop sometimes – by the time the crew would see you, it could be too late. People have been killed taking pictures on the railroad tracks. Railroads are not for photo shoots. Don’t put your life at risk – stay off of railroad tracks!
REMEMBER EVERY THREE HOURS! Every three hours, someone in the United States is hit by a train. In 2021, 600 people in the US died because of railroad trespassing. 20 of the 600 who died were in Pennsylvania. Remember to cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.
SHARE THE MESSAGE OF RAIL SAFETY! Now that you know that being on railroads is against the law and extremely dangerous – let everyone you know and love know too! Never use railroads as sidewalks, photo shoots, or playgrounds. By telling others about rail safety, you could save a life!
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