Story Published:
Jul 4, 2008 at 6:37 AM PST
Story Updated:
Nov 20, 2008 at 9:40 PM PST
A lot of people don't know this, but walk along a railroad track and you are trespassing. You're also putting your life at risk.
Bob Boston, with the state's Operation Lifesaver program, says a lot of people don't understand the danger involved.
"Trains can be very, very quiet. They run on seamless ribbons of welded rail now and there's really no clickety-clack sound," Hoston said. "And a lot of times the passenger trains have the locomotive in the rear so it's even quieter yet, so there's really no sound coming up."
That train could also be moving a lot faster than you think.
"The train is so big and approaching at a slight angle that it makes it look like it's going about 20 miles an hour when in fact it could be going 80."
And consider this: Even if the engineer sees you and slams on the brakes it takes the average freight train a mile to stop -- the length of 18 football fields.
So play it safe. Never walk along railroad tracks. It's illegal and dangerous.
For More Information:State officials urge caution at railroad crossingsOperation Lifesaver