The Orange County Model Engineers is committed to raising public awareness around Rail Safety. OCME Volunteers want to help you be safe around our miniature Goathill Junction trains, and full size trains such as Amtrak, Metrolink, Union Pacific, BNSF and OC Streetcar which operate in Orange County.
Here are some safety tips courtesy of Operation Lifesaver.
And, remember: See Tracks, Think Train
Railroad Crossing Signs
There are hundreds of full size railroad crossings in Orange County. It is important to know the signs at these crossings and what they mean.
Crossbuck Sign:
A Crossbuck Sign marks the crossing of a railroad track and road. The sign should be treated like a YIELD sign as you must give way to the train. The train ALWAYS has the right of way.
Emergency Notification System Sign:
These blue signs show the railroad’s emergency phone number and USDOT Crossing Number.
This is the first phone number to call if your car is stuck on the tracks; if it is missing call 911. Each crossing in the USA has a unique USDOT Crossing Number.
Multiple Track sign:
Indicates the number of tracks present.
After one train has passed, look and listen for another train coming from either direction.
QUIET ZONE sign:
A Quiet Zone sign means that trains are not required to sound their horn for the crossing due to the implementation of additional safety improvements such as gates with channelization or medians, four-quadrant gates, one-way streets, and crossing closures. In some cases a train horn is sounded by using a wayside horn.
A wayside horn is a traffic control device that produces the sound of a train horn and is aimed at roadway users approaching the crossing. This horn is mounted at the crossing and is activated at the same time as the flashing lights and gates.
To learn more about Quiet Zones please visit:
Crossing Safely – Wheels Over Tracks
When approaching train tracks on a bicycle or wheelchair it is important to stop to make sure that it is safe to cross. Make sure that the crossing gate lights are off, the crossing gate is up and that there are no trains coming. When crossing the tracks with wheels be sure not to stop in the crossing, and to cross the tracks at a 90 degree angle so your wheels do not get stuck. It is recommended that cyclists walk their bicycles across train crossings.
When around train tracks (both full size and miniature) it is always important to think See Tracks, Think Train! To pledge your commitment to rail safety feel free to take the Operation Lifesaver safety pledge at one of the links below.
Take the Pledge:
- Adults: https://oli.org/pledge/adults
- Kids: https://oli.org/pledge/kids
For more information and safety tips please visit Operation Lifesaver at oli.org.
