SDDOT / Railroads / Office Information / Operation Lifesaver / Safety Tips

Expect a train on any track at any time
-Most trains do not travel on a regular schedule. Be cautious at a grade crossing at any time of the day or night.

Don't get trapped on a grade crossing
-Never drive onto a grade crossing until you are sure you can clear the tracks. Once you have started across the tracks, keep going, especially if you see a train approaching.

Never drive around the gates
-If the gates are down, stop and stay in place. Do not cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.

Watch out for the second train
-When you are at a multiple track crossing and the last car of the train passes the crossing, do not proceed until you are sure that no other train is coming on another track, especially from the opposite direction.

Get out of your vehicle if it stalls
-If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out and off the tracks immediately. If a train is coming, stay clear of the tracks. If no train is in sight, post lookouts and try to start the vehicle or push it off the tracks.

Never race a train
-Racing a train to a crossing is foolhardy. You will never have a second chance if you lose.

Watch for vehicles that must stop at highway-rail grade crossings
-Be prepared to stop when you are following buses or trucks that are required to stop at highway-rail grade crossings.

Don't misjudge the train's speed and distance
-Because f the large size of a train, it appears to be moving much slower than you think. If you have any doubts stop and wait for the train to pass.

Trains can't stop quickly...you can
-A train going 30 mph takes 0.6 miles to come to a stop. A train traveling 60 mph takes 1.4 miles to halt.

Be especially watchful at night for highway-rail grade crossing warning signs
-At night is particularly difficult to judge speed and distance. If you have any doubts it is always better to be overly cautious than sorry.