Train safety for hikers

Operation Lifesaver marked their 50th anniversary in 2022. September 19th to 25th this year was Rail Safety Week, which happened during the Buckeye Trail Association’s annual Buckeye TrailFest. Shawn Bruderly, an Operation Lifesaver Volunteer, gave a rail safety presentation at the Buckeye TrailFest. The presentation covered the names and meanings of signs that are located around railroad crossings, how to safely cross tracks in a vehicle, and why it is dangerous and illegal to walk on or near train tracks and right of way (the area next to the tracks that have the ballast). There were twelve people in attendance for the presentation and they asked many engaging questions. Topics covered were what types of crossings are there, how long does it take a train to stop, do trains overhang tracks, where is it safe to cross tracks, what is the Emergency Notification Sign, who to call if you spot a problem or emergency on or near the tracks, and the importance of “See Tracks, Think Train!” when approaching all highway rail grade crossings.

Safety tips and reminders from [oli.org]:

1. Always expect a train.
2. Never walk on tracks; it’s illegal trespass and highly dangerous.
3. Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention. When possible,
   walk, don’t ride across the tracks at a 90 degree angle.
4. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time.
5. A train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail.
6. Trains can move in either direction at any time.
7. Today’s trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale “clackety-clak.”
8. Cross train tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
9. Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates.
10. Stay alert around railroad tracks.
11. Wait to cross until you see clearly in both directions.
12. Stay off railroad bridges and trestles.
13. Do not attempt to hop aboard.

About the author

Shawne Bruderly has been a Buckeye Trail member since 2005 and a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern for 17 years. Norfolk Southern is in partnership with Operation Lifesaver to continue saving lives and fostering public awareness of safety around highway rail grade crossings and right-of-way for both drivers and pedestrians.

If you want to take the Rail Safety Pledge, you can visit [oli.org]. There you can also find all events planned by Operation Lifesaver.

If you would like a free Operation Lifesaver presentation for your community or organization, you can contact the State Coordinator and they will assign an Operations Lifesaver Volunteer in the area for the presentation.

About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a non-profit organization and nationally-recognized leader of rail safety education. Since 1972, OLI has been committed to preventing collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings, with the support of public education programs in states across the U.S.