People of all ages are fascinated with trains. We have all seen a small child’s delight at playing “choo choo,” and we have all been captivated by the colorful cars of a passing freight or passenger train at one time or another. Unfortunately, though, this fondness and familiarity, along with the desire to “short cut” across the tracks, rather than use a public crossing can often lead children to walk or play on or near railroad tracks, where they risk serious injuries or even death. Tragically, over the past ten years, more than 844 children under the age of 16 were killed and nearly 2,864 children were injured at railroad crossings and on railroad tracks.

What Are The Dangers ?

The primary danger to young children (and many who are older) is the fact that the railroad environment (tracks, yards, trains, etc.) is far more dangerous than it looks. The public does not belong on railroad property; it is dangerous and illegal for children to walk along railroad tracks or yards, or to cross tracks anywhere other than at an established public crossing.

Another contributing factor is their belief that they will hear an oncoming train long before it gets to them (trains are big and loud, right). This is wrong! Many modern locomotives run very quietly, particularly downhill, and can easily arrive with almost no audible warning until it is too late.

Children also falsely assume that an oncoming train will be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them, just like cars do. Wrong! Unless they have been taught about the danger associated with trains, they cannot imagine that a 150-car freight or passenger train traveling at 50 miles per hour or faster needs at least a mile and a half to come to a complete stop. Children need to understand a train cannot steer to avoid them, they must avoid the train by staying off the tracks.

Railroad crossings also pose a serious danger, even when safeguards are in place. Nearly half of all collisions at railroad crossings occur where gates, lights, or bells exist and are functioning properly. Far too often, pedestrians or motorists ignore these warnings in an attempt to beat the train. Tragically, any collisions between a motor vehicle and a train are 30 times more likely to be fatal than a collision with another car, bus, or truck.

Finally, it is important to remember that railroad tracks, trestles, bridges, yards, and equipment are private property. Trespassers are subject to arrest and fines. They also risk serious injury. With improved safety education, things can get better. In the last five years, highway-rail crossing casualties in the under-16 age group have declined by about 40 percent and trespass casualties have decreased by 30 percent.

What Parents Can Do

Lessons learned during the formative years can make a lasting impression and can save your child’s life. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your child is safe around trains:

Teach your child at an early age that trains are dangerous. Make sure they understand that it is never safe to play on or near railroad tracks.

Teach your child that it is illegal and unsafe to trespass on railroad property. Remind him/her that the only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at an established public crossing.

Rules for Crossing Safely

Never “short-cut” across railroad tracks. Always cross at a public grade crossing, even if it means that you have to walk out of your way.

When walking or bicycling stop well away from the tracks.

Observe any grade crossing warning devices that are present, such as flashing red lights, bells, or gates, and determine whether or not they have been activated to indicate the approach of a train.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has developed a variety of publications that can be used to teach children and young adults about railroad safety. Visit the FRA website at www.fra.dot.gov or call (202) 493-6024. Be sure to visit the Learning Depot webpage on the FRA website.