The railroad prefers to keep all personnel, tools and equipment outside 4' of the tracks at all times. Gauge of Track ' - the distance between rails. In the Clear ' - any location more than 4' from the rails. Stay 'in the clear' whenever possible. Red means 'immediate danger' .
Trains stop without exception .
Flares should only be used when injured persons or disabled vehicles are on the tracks or at a grade crossing and cannot be moved, or when a condition is discovered that could cause derailment. Train schedules cannot be counted on to assure safety. While passenger trains do have published schedules, they are often off schedule . Freight trains have no schedules, and move 'anyplace, anytime'. When tracks must be crossed, look in both directions every time each rail is crossed .