Crime & Safety

Train Safety Awareness Week: Pedestrian Education

Plainfield police will issue safety tips throughout train safety week, April 29-May 5.

Submitted by the Plainfield Police Department:

During Train Safety Awareness Week in the Village of Plainfield, which runs from April 29 to May 5, the Plainfield police want to promote safety for pedestrians around railroad tracks.  The following pointers will help keep you safe when crossing railroad tracks:

  • It is illegal, and considered trespassing, to walk on railroad tracks and in the right of way on either side of the tracks, or to climb on rail cars.
  • Trains overhang the tracks by 3 feet on each side and sometimes up to five feet on each side.
  • It is only safe and legal to cross the tracks at a designated public crossing with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate.  Crossing at any other place is trespassing.
  • Locomotives are sometimes not at the front of a train; instead, a locomotive may be pushing the train.
  • Do not cross the tracks until you can see clearly in each direction after the first train passes, there may be a second train approaching.
  • You must wait until the crossing signals stop and gates go up to legally cross the tracks.
  • There are “quiet zones” within the Village of Plainfield.  You may not hear a train approaching or you may believe the train is farther away than it actually is when in fact it is closer than you realize and moving faster than you think.
  • You must use extra caution when crossing tracks with a wheelchair, baby stroller, or with any other item that has narrow wheels.  Always cross the tracks at a ninety degree angle and consider walking across the tracks if possible.

 When crossing railroad tracks, you must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings! Look, listen and live!

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Read:

  • Train Safety Awareness Week: 10 Tips to Save Your Life
  • Plainfield Police: Make Train Safety Your Priority
  • Train Safety Awareness Week Starts Monday in Plainfield

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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