Union Pacific Urges Motorists and Pedestrians to Travel Safely During Memorial Day Holiday

Omaha, Neb.– Thousands of Americans will observe and celebrate Memorial Day with weekend trips and family outings. Union Pacific urges travelers – motorists and pedestrians alike – to take the extra time and use caution when crossing railroad tracks and at grade crossings, and to please 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, please remember these important 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.