According to the Federal Railroad Administration, thousands of highway-rail grade crossing incidents occur each year in the U.S., along with additional incidents involving pedestrians on or near railroad tracks.

These numbers serve as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and following basic rail safety practices.

Railroad tracks have long been part of the Eden Prairie landscape. To help pedestrians and drivers navigate these areas safely, the non-profit organization Operation Lifesaver offers the following safety tips:

• Always expect a train. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction and do not run on schedules.
• Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.
• The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.
• Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and dangerous. 
• Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. 
• If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. 
• 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.
• When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.