OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As fall quickly approaches and students across the nation prepare to head back into the classrooms, Union Pacific urges motorists and pedestrians to use extra caution when traveling across railroad tracks and grade crossings to and from school.
Teaching the importance of railroad safety truly begins in the home. Take a few minutes, whether before school in the morning or at the dinner table in the evening, and reinforce railroad safety practices.
Remind students to beware of railroad tracks and grade crossings at all times. When traveling on a school bus, teach students to remain quiet as the bus driver approaches railroad crossings allowing them to hear any oncoming trains. Tell them to only travel on designated walkways and to never take shortcuts across or near railroad tracks.
As parents, be aware of your child's whereabouts. Stay updated on before or after school activities that might cause them to walk in smaller groups or even alone. Make sure they know the danger of oncoming trains and to never play on or near railroad tracks regardless of what their peers may say or do.
Reinforce to students the importance of practicing railroad safety using the following guidelines:
* Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale "clackety-clack."
Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than
you think.
* Trains cannot stop quickly. It can take a fully loaded freight train
over a mile to stop.
* Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
* Know your rail signs and signals.
- Flashing red lights, with bells and gates, are used to close the road
when a train approaches.
- Flashing red lights, with or without bells, warns of an approaching
train.
- Remember that once one train passes, another train may well be coming
behind it or from the opposite direction on another track.
- The crossbuck sign, the most common sign at public highway-rail
intersections, marks a crossing and should be considered the same as
a YIELD sign. It has two crossed white boards with the words
RAILROAD CROSSING indicated.
* Most important, always expect a train.
Jobs at Union Pacific
Currently, Union Pacific has job openings at many locations throughout its 23-state operating system. Opportunities are available in train service, skilled disciplines (e.g., diesel mechanics and electricians) and management. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit http://www.up.com/ and click on "Jobs at UP."
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.
