The Illinois-Iowa Railfan

UP is requireing all railfans to wear reflective vest, while railfanning. does anyone on this board know anything about this? here is the story from the other board. Railfan Safety

I have not heard such a thing like that but I will look into it more. I have never had any trouble yet this year out at 215.

A hour or so ago I got off with a friend of mine who works for the railroad and he thinks that this is a false rumor,If UP would want the public to know about it they would have put a statement out........

ok wasnt sure.

I really don't think UP would do such a thing...too much extra work for them to send out vests, badges, etc. I sure hope they don't anyway.

Unless this "vest" thingy confered the railfan permission to be "ON" railway property (unlikely) what kind of "enforcement" could a railroad apply? "HEY! YOU! You can't stand on the street and look at a train unless you are wearing a 'safety vest'!" No, that won't fly!

I would be willing to wear a safety vest while watching trains, except for one thing...

I happen to have a hard hat in my rear window that has a railroad company logo on the front. It is just a railroad memorbilia to me, (and actually, the hat is deteriorating in the sun and heat of my back window, so it ain't much of a "safety device" at all)... but I have been questioned as to WHY I have it, as though I might try to use it to get into unauthorized areas, which I wouldn't, but it still gives that implication.

If I put on a "safety vest", would that give the impression that I am some sort of official/employee of the railroad?

I have already been yelled at by irate motorists who have been forced to wait at a grade crossing for too long of a time, because I happen to be in my car along side of the road watching trains. Some people think I am employed by the railroad.