The following information is courtesy of NJ Transit, and appeared with the news article below as a sidebar.
RAILROAD FACTS
Trespass Laws
According to the Criminal Justice Code of New Jersey, criminal trespass is against the law on railroad tracks. Since railroad tracks are private property, trespassers can be arrested for trespassing (walking, taking a shortcut) on them. If convicted of the offense, trespassers face a fine of not less than $100 and/or imprisonment.
Trains can’t stop quickly
An eight-car passenger train traveling at 60 mph will take approximately 1,500 feet to stop, while a train traveling at 80 mph will take about 2,200 feet (nearly one-half mile) to come to a complete stop. NJ TRANSIT trains can operate at speeds up to 100 mph. A train traveling this fast will take about 3,600 feet to stop.
Trains can’t swerve
Trains have no steering wheels so they cannot swerve to avoid hitting something in their path. The way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its way. Environmental noises such as whistles from factories, horns from cars and other noises can muffle train sounds. Electric trains operate so quietly often they cannot be heard until they are right upon a person. Trains also give the illusion that they are traveling much slower than they actually are. Always stay alert. Don’t let a cell phone or headphone distract or prevent a person from hearing an approaching train, and make sure to stand behind the safety line on the station platform while waiting for a train.
Railroad bridges and trestles present a special hazard. Railroad bridges and trestles are built only for trains. People should not walk on them or fish from them. There are no walkways for people. If a train comes, there is nowhere to go.
Safety education programs
NJ TRANSIT offers rail safety education presentations throughout the state as a free community service. These presentations are designed to educate students, as well as adults, on the dangers they might encounter along railroad tracks and at highway-railroad grade crossings. For more information, visit NJ TRANSIT’s Web site, www.njtransit.com, and click on the ‘rider guide and safety’ link. For information on Operation Lifesaver, visit http://www,oli.org/
Train horn rules
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an Interim Final Rule for the use of locomotive horns at highway-rail crossings. For detailed information on the new rule, visit the FRA Web site at www.fra.dot.gov and click on ‘train horn rule.’
Source: NJ Transit