any time is train time - operation lifesaver · any time is train time. ... they can’t steer...

Copyright © 2013 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual 5 – Any Time is Train Time

● Freight trains do not run on a schedule. Although passenger trains do run on a schedule, you

can’t count on that to avoid being struck. They can run at any time of the day or night.

● Trains can run on any track, in any direction, at any time.

● Pay attention to warning signs that alert you there are railroad tracks up ahead. Slow down

and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching. Using cell phones or text messaging while

driving can have serious, if not deadly consequences. It is also illegal to do this in many states

(if your state is one, say that!)

● Pedestrians should always cross tracks only at designated crossings and remember to always

expect a train!

Talking Points for Grades 3 - 5

● Trains, even passenger trains, do not always run on a schedule.

● Trains travel on any track, in any direction and at any time.

● When approaching railroad tracks, always expect a train.

● Before crossing the train tracks, you should always look both ways and listen for the sound of

an approaching train. One could be coming at anytime.

Any Time is Train Time


Visual 6 – Trains Can’t Swerve

● Unlike cars, trains don’t have a steering wheel. They can’t steer right or left.

● Trains can only follow the track.

● In a situation like this, the only things the locomotive engineer can do is to apply the

emergency brakes and sound the horn.

● It’s OUR responsibility to make sure we are not in the way of the train.


● This is the inside of a locomotive engine, where the engineer operates the train. Do you see

anything missing?

● Trains do not have steering wheels; they must follow the tracks.

● The engineer cannot switch the train to a different track to avoid hitting a car or a pedestrian.

● Cars and people must stay off the tracks to avoid being hit by a train.

Trains Can’t Swerve


Visual 7 – Approximate Stopping Distance

● According to the National Safety Council, a lightweight passenger car traveling at 55 mph can

stop in about 200 feet in an emergency, if tires and brakes are in good condition and the road

surface is dry.

● A commercial van or bus will need about 230 feet to stop.

● A tractor/trailer will require about 300 feet to stop. That’s the length of one football field.

● A light rail train requires about 600 feet to stop, the length of two football fields.

● An average freight train traveling at 55 mph may take a mile (5,280 feet) or more to stop,

the length of 18 football fields!

● Trains can stop, but they can’t stop quickly.

● Avoid driving when you’re tired, have been drinking alcohol, or taking medications, either

prescription or over the counter. They can blur your vision or cause drowsiness and impair

reaction time.

● Put simply - trains have the right-of-way. Drivers and pedestrians must always yield to

approaching trains.

At 55 MPH200 Ft200 Ft

230 Ft230 Ft

300 Ft300 Ft

600 Ft600 Ft

>5280 Ft>5280 Ft

Approximate Stopping Distance


Visual 10 – Car on Track

● What would you do if your vehicle stalled on the track? Decide now what you would do so

that you won’t panic if it happens.

● If your car stalls or is trapped on the track, there is only one thing to do – get yourself and your

passengers out immediately and get them away from the track, even if you don’t see a train

approaching. Remember to unlock any child safety locks so passengers in the back seat can

exit the vehicle.

● When you are at a safe distance from the crossing, call the number on the Emergency

Notification sign if you can safely see it, or call 911.

● If a train is approaching, get yourself and passengers out immediately and run toward the

train but away from the track at a 45 degree angle. If you run in the same direction the train

is traveling, when the train hits your car you could be injured by flying debris.

Additional Talking Points

School Bus – If your bus stalls or is trapped on the track, get everyone out immediately, even if a train

is not approaching. Follow your school district or company policy for evacuation procedures.

Presenter Notes:

School Bus – Emphasize that they need to know their emergency evacuation procedures if the bus

stalls or is trapped on the track.


Visual 11 – ENS (Emergency Notification System)/DOT

● Look for a railroad emergency telephone number and a Department of Transportation (DOT)

crossing identification number posted at the crossing. The sign in this picture shows an example

what they may look like.

● All crossings are identified with a unique DOT number that consists of six (6) digits followed by

a letter. This DOT number should be given when calling the emergency number to identify

your location and report the problem or emergency - it’s like the crossing address.

● These numbers may be posted on the crossbuck post, signal post, or silver signal control building

(bungalow).

● Call the emergency number if your car becomes stalled, or stuck on the tracks for any reason,

or if the lights and gates are not operating properly.

● This also includes reporting automatic warning devices that are malfunctioning, sight

obstructions at the crossing, and other safety information.

● If you cannot locate the emergency number, call 911 or local law enforcement to report a

stalled vehicle or signals that are malfunctioning.


Law Enforcement – Call the emergency telephone number posted at the crossing to report an incident.

Advise your dispatch or communications center of the incident location. Remember that train crews

and motor vehicle drivers don’t use the same geographical references to describe the location.

Emergency Notification System


Visual 18 – Train/Plane Comparison

● Trains appear to be traveling much slower than their actual speed because of their size and

mass.

● “Have you ever watched airplanes land?” They look like they are almost hanging in mid air

and not really moving, but their final approach speed is over 150 mph. The plane’s size and

the angle at which you are viewing the landing make judging the speed impossible.

● It’s the same with trains! When you’re stopped at a rail crossing, the angle from which you see

the train approaching and the train’s size make it appear to be moving slower than it really is.

● Trains appear to be farther away than they really are.

● Viewed from a crossing, railroad tracks create the appearance of a great distance and slower

speed because the rails converge to a vanishing point.

● Don’t be fooled – the train you see may really be closer and moving faster than you think.

Speed Perception


Visual 19 – Three Don’ts

● There are three things you should not do on a rail crossing. Don’t stop on the track, don’t try to

pass on the track and if you’re driving a standard transmission vehicle, don’t shift gears while

crossing the track.

o Passing – Remember, you can’t pass within 100 feet of an intersection and a rail crossing is considered an intersection.

o Shifting – Shifting gears can sometimes cause your vehicle to stall. Wait to shift until you have safely cleared the crossing.

o Stopping – Make sure that when you start to cross the track there is room on the other side to get completely across. It is illegal to stop on the track. Look ahead for traffic congestion. Don’t get boxed in.

● Trains can be at least three (3) feet wider or more than the track they are on. Sometimes they

carry wide loads. Chains or straps used to secure loads and other equipment can swing loose

from the train.


Professional Drivers – Look beyond the tracks to see if:

o the truck will fit between the track and the intersection. o there is traffic congestion ahead. o there are traffic signals, STOP or Yield signs on the other side of the crossing that could

prevent the truck from clearing the crossing.

Don’t Pass, Shift or Stop


Visual 20 – Overhanging the Track

● Trains can overhang the track that they are on by at least three (3) feet on both sides of the

track.

● Sometimes trains carry loads that are wider than the railroad cars themselves. Additionally

they can also have chains, straps or other equipment swinging loose from the train. What does

this mean to you? If you are standing too close, you could get hit.


● Trains can be wider than the track they are on. Sometimes they carry wide loads. Sometimes

chains and other equipment can swing loose from the train.

● To avoid getting hurt, stand far away from a train when it is going by; in a safe place, not on a

roadway.


Visual 25 – Look, Listen and Live!

● Always look both ways before crossing the track.

● Listen for the sound of an approaching train. Turn the radio volume down and lower the

window to make sure no trains are coming.

● Before crossing tracks, remember Operation Lifesaver’s safety slogan – LOOK, LISTEN AND

LIVE!


Refer to the above talking points.

Talking Points for Grades K - 2

● Can anyone read these three (3) important words?

● You can be safe if you remember these three (3) words. Look, Listen and Live!

● Look both ways before you cross any railroad tracks.

● Listen for the sounds of trains.

● If you LOOK and LISTEN around railroad tracks you will LIVE.

LOOK,

LISTEN &

LIVE!

LOOK,

LISTEN &

LIVE! ®


Visual 44 – Electrification

● A pantograph is a device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or

trams.

● This photograph shows the pantograph reaching up from the engine to make contact with the

high-power electric line. This network of overhead wires and poles is called a catenary system.

● The catenary system is used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a

distance from the energy supply point.

● There can be up to 24,000 volts of electricity available to run trains up to 150 mph. The

electricity you use in your home averages about 120 volts –and it can be deadly.

● Never climb on top of trains or play around the catenary system!

● Never walk along or in between the rails!

● Always heed the warning and danger signs along railroad rights-of-way!

Third Rail

● The "third rail" in this photograph carries 600-750 volts of direct current. This is more than

enough energy to power an eight-coach, fully loaded train at 100 mph! The electricity you use

in your home averages about 120 volts.

● The third rail is not used by the train wheels. The third rail is used to carry electrical power to

the train by a "shoe" on the side of the engine.

● Never touch the third rail and never walk along or in between the rails!

any time is train time - operation lifesaver · any time is train time. ... they can’t steer...

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