(The Union Pacific issued the following on December 18.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Shopping trips, parties and children’s school pageants are all signs the winter holiday season is here. Union Pacific Railroad reminds motorists and pedestrians to use caution during this busy time, which encompasses Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Union Pacific urges travelers to take the extra time and use caution when crossing railroad tracks and at grade crossings, and to please stay away from railroad property.
It is essential to practice safety at highway-rail grade crossings and to heed the warnings of automated crossing gates, flashing signals, stop signs, yield signs and crossbuck signs. When traveling near the railroad, please remember these important safety guidelines:
* Never walk along tracks and only cross tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings when on foot.
* Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
* At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction, before proceeding.
* Do not be fooled; the train you see is closer and moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.