Train Track Trespassing

Many types of wildlife migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields near railroad tracks setting up a recipe for disaster if hunters can’t resist the temptation to stay off the property. Iowa railroad officials, including the Iowa Northern Railroad’s Mark Vaughn say their trains often carry unusual and oversized freight such as windmill components and tractors from the Deere Assembly plant in Waterloo.  He says this could be dangerous if someone is walking nearby.He says “ our locomotives and railcars typically overhang the track by at least three feet on either side and the various cargos we carry can extend even farther, in addition to lose straps and cables that can extend even more.” Vaughn says they don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of the outdoors but safety is always a factor to be considered. He says by the time an engineer sees someone walking on the tracks, it may be too late because it takes a train nearly a mile to stop. In addition, Vaughn says those who trespass on railroad property could be arrested and fined.