In the wake of several recent railroad accidents, the N.C. Department of Transportation is reminding motorists and pedestrians to use caution at railroad crossings and stay off train tracks.
Trains are big and heavy and cannot stop quickly. In fact, it can take up to 1-1.5 miles for a train to come to a stop after brakes are applied. For this reason, motorists and pedestrians are reminded:
• Expect a train on the tracks at any time from any direction.
• Never race a train to a crossing.
• Never try to drive around the crossing gates or other barriers.
• If your car stalls on the tracks, get out and call the police or local emergency officials.
• Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks – it’s against the law.
• Tracks are not a trail, a shortcut or a place to rest.
• Never play on railroad tracks.
For more information, please check NCDOT’s BeRailSafe http://www.berailsafe.org/ program, which provides information to educate adults, kids, motorists and pedestrians about the importance of staying off railroad tracks.
Learn more about NCDOT’s safety message by watching two compelling YouTube videos, “Stay off the Tracks” and “Be Rail Safe.”