Remember these safety tips when approaching railway crossings 3-20-26

March 20, 2026

Remember these safety tips when approaching railway crossings

MOBILE, Ala. — Since the new twice-daily Amtrak intercity train trip between Mobile and New Orleans — titled the Mardi Gras Service — started back in 2025, there have been several fatalities involving collision with vehicles. The latest occurred Feb. 21 in Theodore.

The Mobile Police Department report a driver and small passenger died in the accident near Cary Hamilton Road at the railroad crossing. Upon further investigation, officers discovered the audible signal, flashing lights and crossing arms were functioning properly at the time of impact.

To help bring attention to the issue, several local agencies have come together to produce a safety video to emphasize the importance of staying alert when approaching any railroad crossing. The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjNnWqzRVRs.

The Mobile County Health Department said it is crucial to understand the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains. Rail safety education nonprofit Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) urges everyone to know the facts, recognize the signs and always make safe choices.

“Every 3 hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Whether walking in your neighborhood, driving across the country, or playing in the snow, remember: See Tracks? Think Train!” said OLI. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “With over 140,000 miles of track across the U.S. and more than 200,000 places where roadways cross railroad tracks, travelers and winter weather enthusiasts are likely to encounter trains and tracks this winter.”

Among the Rail Safety Tips to follow include:

• Always expect a train at any crossing, at any time in either direction. Trains are quieter, moving faster and may be closer than they appear – like an airplane that appears to be hanging still in the sky.
• Look and listen. Storms and wind can muffle the sound of an approaching train. If you’re wearing a helmet or hat in windy or rainy conditions, the sound of a train can be muffled. Listen carefully and stay focused.
• Never try and beat a train or go around lights and gates. Trains cannot stop quickly. It can take a train a mile or more – the length of 18 football fields – to stop.
• Never walk, bike, or play on or near railroad tracks. Train tracks are private property. Being on them or close to them is dangerous and illegal. Rails and recreation don’t mix. Stay off and stay away from train tracks.
• If your vehicle won’t fit completely across the tracks, don’t commit. Leave at least 15 feet between the railroad track and the front and back of your vehicle.
• Stuck or stalled on the tracks? GET OUT! GET AWAY! FIND THE BLUE AND WHITE SIGN. If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train. Call the number on the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and share the crossing ID number with the dispatcher. No sign? Dial 911.
• If you see something, say something. You can contact Amtrak police by calling 800-331-0008 or by sending a text to APD11 (27311).