A Chico State student wearing stereo headphones and walking down the middle of the track was killed when he didn't hear a train coming up behind him. The average freight train traveling at 55 mph could take a mile and a half to stop once the brakes are applied. Stand back from the tracks Trains are wider than the rails of the tracks and may have wide loads or banding protruding further than the side of the cars. Throwing rocks or placing objects on the track is dangerous and against the law . Objects of any size, even small debris on the track, can be propelled from the steel wheel with the force of a bullet, injuring those standing nearby.
Larger objects can cause a train derailment, injuring or killing passengers and crew members.
Stereo headphones should not be worn near railroad tracks . They will prevent you from hearing an oncoming train. Keep off the tracks . Do not walk, run, or cycle on railroad tracks. It is both hazardous and illegal.