Railway signs, devices and warnings

Signs for safety

Inform your kids or children in your care about railway signs, devices and warnings. Being aware and knowledgeable could save their lives.

Railway signs

There are many different railway signs that let you know you are close to train tracks. Here are some you should recognize:

Advanced warning signs tell you a crossing is ahead and indicate its direction. Slow down, look both ways and listen, there may be a train coming.

A railway crossing sign, also known as a "crossbuck", tells you you're at a railway crossing. A crossbuck may be accompanied by flashing lights, bells and sometimes closed gates when a train is close.

A 2 trains sign tells you a second train may be coming on another track. Always look both ways to make sure all trains have passed before crossing.

Multi-track signs mean there is more than one set of tracks at the crossing. This sign is found below the railway crossing sign, and tells you how many tracks are there.

All railways are private property, which is why they’re often marked with "No Trespassing" signs. Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or railway crossings.

Railway safety devices

Passive devices have no lights or bells, and are found at locations with little traffic. Be especially cautious at these crossings: look both ways, listen and make sure no train is coming before crossing.

Most railway crossings do have devices that warn when a train is coming. There are different types depending on how much traffic passes through the area:

• Active devices use flashing lights and a bell to signal a train is coming. Stay back and do not cross when the bell rings and lights flash. Some active devices include gates as well. Cross only when signals have stopped, the gates have lifted, and you’ve looked both ways and listened to make sure there are no other trains.

Other railway warnings

Here are some other signals you should let your children know about to keep them safe around railway tracks:

• An engine whistle warns you that a train is approaching a crossing. The train is close, so stop and wait until it's safe to cross. An engine bell warns that a train is very close. When you or your children hear the engine bell, stand back and wait for the train to pass.
• Platform safety lines remind people in stations to stand back from moving trains and equipment.
• Pavement markings, specifically a large X on the pavement, remind drivers to approach cautiously when railway crossings are ahead.