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Safety Tip
Trespassing: Is it worth the risk?
Encounters between trains and people are extremely hazardous. For that reason, specific laws prohibit trespassing on all railroad property. People who ignore trespassing laws and use railroad rights-of-way for the wrong purposes must realize that they are risking their lives.
NJ TRANSIT trains operate along more than 600 miles of track throughout New Jersey. Tracks run throughout major cities, small towns, industrial areas and remote locations. Freight trains also operate on some railroad tracks in New Jersey.
Railroad track, as well as the area on either side of the track, is known as the right-of-way and is owned by the railroad. Since this is private property, you are trespassing if you are on or near tracks. Walking on or along tracks or crossing tracks at unauthorized locations can result in serious injury or even death.
NJ TRANSIT works in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Operation Lifesaver Inc., a non-profit, international public education program, to promote safety and end collisions, injuries and deaths at highway-railroad grade crossings and on railroad rights-of-way.
Trespass Laws
According to the Criminal Justice Code of New Jersey, Title 2C: 18-3, Criminal Trespass, it is against the law to be on railroad tracks. Since railroad tracks are private property, you can be arrested for trespassing (walking, taking a shortcut) on them. If convicted of this offense, you will be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and/or imprisonment.
Trains can't stop quickly.
An eight car passenger train going 60 miles per hour will take approximately 1,500 feet to stop, while a train traveling at 80 miles per hour will take about 2,200 feet (nearly one-half mile) to come to a complete stop. NJ TRANSIT trains can operate at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. A train traveling this fast will take about 3,600 feet to stop.
Trains can't swerve.
Trains have no steering wheels so they cannot swerve to avoid hitting something in their path. The way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its way.
Trains can approach without your knowledge.
Environmental noises such as whistles from factories, horns from cars and other noises can muffle train sounds. Electric trains operate so quietly that often they cannot be heard until they are right upon you. Trains also give the illusion that they are traveling much slower than they actually are. Always stay alert. Don't let your cell phone or headphone distract or prevent you from hearing an approaching train, and make sure to stand behind the safety line on the station platform while waiting for your train.
Railroad bridges and trestles present a special hazard. Railroad bridges and trestles are built only for trains. You should not walk on them or fish from them. There are no walkways for people. If a train comes, there is nowhere for you to go.
Only cross tracks at designated locations.
If you must cross railroad tracks, only use designated crossings such as overpasses, underpasses or railroad grade crossings. Remember, it is illegal to cross at any other location. And always look both ways before crossing any tracks.
Never go around lowered gates at a grade crossing.
According to Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New Jersey, Title 39: 4-127.1, it is against the law to go around lowered gates at a highway/rail grade crossing. You can be ticketed and fined for this offense. These laws apply to everyone, whether in a car, on a bicycle, or on foot.
Gates at a grade crossing are there for your protection. When they go down, it means a train is coming and you must stop and wait until the gates come up before you cross. Never cross immediately after a train passes. There might be another train coming from the opposite direction, on another track.
Never throw anything at a train or onto railroad tracks.
Throwing rocks, wood or other debris at trains or onto tracks is dangerous. This activity could cause a train to derail and result in serious injuries to passengers and train personnel.
Stay away from overhead electrical wires and support poles.
Electric trains receive their power from catenary wires located above railroad tracks. These wires carry 25,000 volts of electricity that can severely burn or kill you with or without contact.
Watch the gap.
Always watch your step while entering and exiting trains and if you are traveling with young children, hold their hand. There is a gap between the train and station platform that is necessary for safe train operations. Ask the conductor for assistance if you are concerned about navigating the gap.
Be aware of your surroundings.
If you see any suspicious activity or unattended packages at railroad stations, call NJ TRANSIT's Police Department at 888-TIPS-NJT.
Safety Education Programs
NJ TRANSIT offers rail safety education presentations throughout the state as a free community service. These presentations are designed to educate students, as well as adults, on the dangers they might encounter along railroad tracks and at highway-railroad grade crossings. For more information, visit NJ TRANSIT's website, www.njtransit.com, and click on Rider Guide and Safety.
Federal Railroad Administration Train Horn Rule
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an Interim Final Rule for the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Crossings. For detailed information on the new rule, visit the FRA website www.fra.dot.gov and click on Train Horn Rule. General information regarding the rule may be obtained from NJ TRANSIT by sending an email to , Government and Community Relations.
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