Pedestrian Rail Safety Tips
Taking Pictures/Videos of Trains or Structures
Safety is of paramount importance to Union Pacific Railroad. Taking pictures or video while on Union Pacific property is dangerous, so when taking pictures or video of Union Pacific Railroad trains or structures:
- Stay off Union Pacific Railroad property. This includes tracks, bridges, buildings and signal towers.
- At passenger stations, Amtrak and Union Pacific's commuter partner guidelines must be followed.
- Obey all safety rules, regulations and instructions provided by law enforcement and Union Pacific employees.
Violators are subject to a citation for trespassing on railroad property.
Union Pacific will seek removal from publication any photograph or video that violates this policy.
Whether you walk, bike, hunt or stop to take photos, remember rail lines are busy highways used by trains that can take more than a mile to stop. Always expect a train, and use the following tips to stay safe near railroad tracks.
- Only cross at designated crossings, located where streets intersect with railroad tracks. You’ll know you’re at the right place if you see warning signs or signals.
- Look both ways when approaching railroad crossings, and stop for trains.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the tracks when trains approach. Trains are three feet wider than the rails, so wait behindthe warning signs or signals.
- Never walk between the rails or areas that are not designated railroad crossings, it is dangerous and illegal. While the public can cross the tracks at railroad crossings, rail lines and yards are private property.
- Avoid distractions including loud music, texting and talking on cell phones. Look up and listen for train horns.
- Look twice at crossings with multiple tracks. Two tracks may mean two trains, so make sure all tracks are clear before crossing each rail line.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy
Unmanned aircraft systems (or "drones") flown for commercial or recreational purposes must adhere to the following:
- Union Pacific operates in a safety-sensitive environment. Never operate a drone in a manner that could distract or otherwise endanger yourself, Union Pacific employees, equipment or the public.
- All drone pilots must operate in compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety guidelines. Flying a drone in a reckless manner is a violation of federal law and FAA regulations and could result in civil fines or criminal action.
- Drones may not take off from, land on or fly over Union Pacific property unless the pilot is authorized to do so in writing by a specific agreement with Union Pacific.
For aerial photography/video requests, please contact Tom Lange, AVP-Corp. Comm., at tomlange@up.com.