Rail Safety Top of Mind During See Tracks? Think Train Week

​​RALEIGH — BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division's railroad safety program, is promoting National See Tracks? Think Train Week through education and outreach.

On Tuesday, as part of Operation Clear Track, BeRailSafe and partner organizations, including the Clayton Police Department, N.C. Operation Lifesaver and Amtrak Police,  conducted crossing blitzes to teach motorists and pedestrians about safe behaviors at railroad crossings and how to contact the railroads in case of emergency.

“Meeting people near railroad crossings gives us a chance to share information they can use every day," said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “We want people to understand what signs and signals mean, where it's safe to cross and why they should stay off railroad tracks. Reaching people before someone gets hurt is the purpose of this week's outreach and the work BeRailSafe does year-round."

A crossing blitz brings safety partners to areas near railroad crossings to speak directly with the public and distribute safety information. Operation Clear Track brings law enforcement, first responders and Operation Lifesaver partners together for similar outreach across the country.

See Tracks? Think Train Week runs Sept. 21–27. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the national rail safety awareness campaign. BeRailSafe also provides free rail safety training to police, firefighters and 911 operators across North Carolina and shares safety information at community events throughout the year.

To prevent tragedies on railroad tracks and at crossings, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:  

• All railroad tracks are private property, and trespassers can be arrested or fined, according to North Carolina General Statute. 

• Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks. Tracks are not a shortcut. 

• The only safe, and legal, place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing designated with either a rail crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate. 

• It takes a train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile to stop - that's more than 18 football fields. 

• Never drive around lowered gates. It's illegal and deadly. 

• Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If you stop to wait for a train at a traffic signal, always stop safely behind the white line. 

• If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out and call the number on the blue and white sign posted on the crossing gate.

For more safety tips or to request a BeRailSafe presentation, visit this BeRailSafe.org and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.