What you need to know

Quick Tips for Kids

Lesson 1 - Always cross at a public railroad crossing. Crossings have a sign and most also have lights, a bell and/or gates.

Lesson 2 - Cross the same way you would cross the street – look left, right and left before crossing the train tracks.

Listen for the train coming and for a warning bell. If there are warning lights, watch for them to flash.

Lesson 3 - When a train is coming, stand at least 15 feet (about 10 giant steps) away from the tracks.

Lesson 4 - Never try to cross the tracks if a train is coming.

Lesson 5 - When a train goes by, look both ways again before crossing. Make sure that another train is not coming.

Many crossings have more than one track, which means there could be another train coming at the same time.

Lesson 6 - Always walk your bike across the tracks to make sure the tires do not get caught.

Lesson 7 - Never walk or play on or near railroad tracks. It is dangerous and illegal.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1: After a locomotive engineer applies the brakes, how far will a train travel before it comes to a stop?

Answer: The length of about 20 football fields (about 2,000 yards).

Question 2: How long does it take from the time the lights begin to flash until the train travels through the crossing?

Answer : As little as 20 seconds – not enough time to make it across.