As harvest season reaches full swing, long days, tight schedules, and busy roads mean safety must remain a top priority, especially around railroad crossings. Every year, near misses and tragic incidents occur when farm machinery attempt to cross rail tracks without proper caution. With a recent rail-related incident in our region, we want to remind everyone in the agricultural community: staying alert around railroad tracks and trains saves lives.

Slow Down, Look and Listen  

Combines, tractors, and grain trucks often travel routes and have farmland that intersect with railroad tracks, many of which don’t have lights or crossing arms. Before crossing, come to a complete stop, look both ways, and listen for approaching trains. Trains can be much closer and moving faster than they appear.

Never Try to Beat a Train

It can be tempting to hurry across when you see a train in the distance but remember trains can take over a mile to stop. A few extra minutes of waiting could prevent a lifetime of regret.

If You Don’t Fit, Don’t Commit

Make sure your equipment can completely clear the railroad tracks before starting to cross.

Stay Off Tracks When Loading and Unloading

Never park farm machinery on or too close to railroad tracks, even temporarily. Train schedules can vary, and a stopped vehicle on a track is an emergency waiting to happen.

Free Farm Vehicle Safety Resource

We want all farmers and farm machinery operators to be safe in the field.

Operation Lifesaver has a free rail safety brochure for helping farmers and farm machine operators stay safe and avoid accidents around railroad tracks and trains. Download a digital copy of the Farm Rail Safety Brochure below.