I am talking about in general. Whether you are in a vehicle or not, what are some things a person should and should not do? l frequently visit rural communities with a LOT of train tracks, and I'd like to know about some general safety guidelines. Thank you.

The three biggies r stop, look & listen.

''Stop'' is not always an option & in many instances will cause a rear-end traffic collision before anything else. But if stopped at lowered crossing gates, stop BACK as far as practical. Very heavy stuff often falls off of trains & u may wind up with several tons of something in ur lap unless u make some room. The same goes if u r pedestrian in close proximity to the tracks. Broken metal banding such as used to secure open lumber loads drags the ground & becomes quite sharp quite quickly. It will cut u right in half. Things can be protruding from the car as well which can strike you.

''Look'' is something we can all do. That does not mean a casual glance when u r on top of the tracks. Really look to see if equipment is approaching before occupying the crossing. One would not think so, but a quick glance can miss something moving toward the crossing. In additon, sometimes there is ''current of traffic'' over a given stretch of tracks that may be lying side by side or seperated by a great distance, where trains operate in one direction on one track & in the opposite direction on the other. People will get used to see trains operate in one direction all the time on a particular track. But, sometimes, trains will be authorized to operate ''against the current of traffic.'' In this case, this one time, a train is approaching from a direction you've gotten used to NOT looking at. So, always look BOTH ways before occupying any crossing.

''Listen'' means turn off the music, roll down the window & listen for an approaching train. But DON'T count on hearing one. Whistles can get clogged with snow & cease to operate. Keep in mind there r also areas designated as a ''quiet zone,'' where engineers r prohibited from blowing the whistle. This is why u must use ur eyes as well. If walking along the tracks, frequent glances over the shoulder may save a life. Keep in mind engines do not always pull cars as they shove them araound as well. A cut of cars being shoved will sneak up on u in near silnce, with the engine a mile or so away from where u r at.

Also when walking along right of way, stay off the top of the rail, even though seeing how far u can walk on it seems a challenging game. Employees r forbidden from stepping on top of any rail. There is pleanty of grease, oil & creosote around & u will slip & fall. If u hit ur head on the other rail, u will be lying unconcious when the train runs over you. In addition, on the inside of the rail near the top (ball) of the rail, over time ''flash'' forms on the inside of the rail due to the wear & tear of millions of steel wheels having passed over it. It is as sharp as a surgeon is scalpel & will lay ur ankle open in a heartbeat if not wearing high top boots.

Often times MOW will leave empty tubes of a caustic material used by them. If picked up & handled they will cause serious chemical burns to the skin.

Finally, NEVER put ur trust in crossing safety devices; gates, lights, bells, etc. They r NOT fail-safe. Twice in my own career of 28 years behind the throttle l have operated trains over grade crossings, at speed, where they were inoperative.

So, stop, look & listen at ALL grade crossings, whether protected by electro-mechanical means or not. And, whenever possible, stay off of the right of way. Remember, in almost every instance, as soon as u come into the view of the engineer on a train, it is already too late to stop for you.

An excellent safety question that rates a star.

yes or you could stop get out walk around wait for train to come and then wave as they pass then get back in car and drive over tracks.. most people look and keep driving some and slow down