The Auburn Police Department, in conjunction with the Union Pacific Railroad Police, will be conducting a railroad crossing safety emphasis in the city of Auburn on Wednesday.

The emphasis is designed to remind pedestrians and drivers of the laws concerning movement across railroad crossings.

Rail crossing collisions involving both vehicles and pedestrians have dire consequences, and the safety of citizens is of the utmost importance, and the emphasis serves to reduce flagrant violations that endanger and increase the threat of harm and property damage.

As a reminder, once the warning lights start flashing, vehicles and pedestrians are required to stop at the marked stop lines and clear the tracks. Movement across the tracks after the warning signals are activated is prohibited. Stopping on the tracks or between the stop lines at any point, even without the warnings activated, is also prohibited.

Citizens wishing to review the violations can find them under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.340, 46.61.345, 46.61.350 and 46.61.269.

Union Pacific offers the following safety tips to help drivers as they approach railroad tracks and trains:

• Always expect a train and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.

• Wait for trains and do not attempt to beat approaching trains.

• Avoid getting trapped on the railroad tracks by ensuring there is enough room on the other side for your vehicle to completely clear the tracks.

• Watch for vehicles, such as school buses and commercial trucks that must stop at railroad crossings.

• If your vehicle stalls at a crossing, get passengers out and escort them far from the area, even if trains are not coming through. Call the emergency notification number posted on or near the crossing or notify local law enforcement.

Practicing railroad safety can help prevent tragic vehicle-train collisions and fatalities. Additional information about railroad safety is available through Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit public education program established to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings.

For more information, visit www.oli.org.