Use caution at crossings, Union Pacific asks

For thousands of families and college students, the months of March and April signal holiday vacations and spring break trips. Union Pacific Railroad reminds motorists and pedestrians to use caution.

Union Pacific urges travelers - motorists and pedestrians alike - to be cautious when crossing railroad tracks and at grade crossings, and to stay away from railroad property.

It is essential to practice safety at highway-rail grade crossings and to heed the warnings of automated crossing gates, flashing signals, stop signs, yield signs and crossbuck signs. When traveling near the railroad, remember these safety guidelines:

• Never walk along tracks and only cross tracks at designated pedestrian roadway crossings when on foot.

• Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

• At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction, before proceeding.

• Do not be fooled; the train you see is closer and moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.