ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation today issued a safety alert to remind motorists and also pedestrians to use caution at highway-rail grade crossings and near railroad tracks. The advisory was issued after seven fatalities and also two serious injuries to pedestrians were reported so far in 2006. Four of those fatalities and both serious injuries have occurred since May 17, 2006.

This Minnesota trend echoes national increases in pedestrians and trespassers who were injured and killed when using or crossing railroad property this year.

"This is a disturbing trend, particularly this time of year as the seasons change and more Minnesotans are engaging in outdoor activities," said William Gardner, Mn/DOT's Director of Freight, Rail and Waterways. "Most of these incidents are the result of human error and could be prevented if the public would exercise caution," he added.

"The public should be aware that freight railroad tracks and the surrounding rights-of-way are private railroad property. To use railroad tracks for hiking, biking, fishing or other recreational activities is trespassing and dangerous. Because of their size, approaching trains appear to be traveling at a slower speed," said Gardner. "Everyone should also know that it takes a fully loaded freight train traveling at 50 miles per hour up to one and a half miles to come to a full stop. By the time the train engineer sees a vehicle or pedestrian on the tracks, it is often too late to react safely." Gardner said the public should be aware of the following:

• Trains, while large and bulky, don't make a lot of noise. Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale "clickety-clack."
  
  
• You cannot always feel the vibration of an oncoming train. Don't expect vibrating rails or track beds to warn you of an approaching train in time to save your life.
  
  
• Trains overhang the rails on each side by at least three feet. Loose straps hanging from freight cars may extend much further.
  
  
• If you need to cross the tracks, whether in a vehicle or by foot, the only safe place to do so is at a designated public crossing with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, marked pavement and crossing, or a crossing gate. If you cross at any other place, you not only threaten your life and limb, but you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.
  
  
• If you come to a crossing and see flashing red lights, don't ignore them. Stop! These lights signal the approach of a train. Never drive or walk past flashing lights or around lowered gates at a crossing. Wait until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates go completely up.
  
  
• Remember, if the gates stay down, there may be a second train coming on that or another track. Wait until the signals tell you that all is clear.

"By issuing this safety alert we hope to help prevent further injury and death," Gardner added.

For more information on Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety, visit the Operation Lifesaver, Inc. web site at www.oli.org.

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