Know the Sign, Save a Life: How CPUC Rail Safety Inspectors Help Keep Railroad Crossings Safe
Featured Story
Every day, millions of Californians travel through railroad crossings without giving much thought to the signs and crossing warning devices that help keep them safe.
One of the most important safety tools at a railroad crossing is often overlooked: the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign. The ENS sign is typically located on the crossing warning device.
Example of an ENS sign
The sign plays a critical role during an emergency. If a vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, or crossing warning devices are not working properly, or someone notices a hazardous condition at a crossing, the ENS sign provides a direct phone number and crossing identification information so the railroad can be contacted immediately and made aware of any issues at the crossing.
June 24th marks ENS Sign Awareness Day, a nationwide effort led by Operation Lifesaver, to help people recognize these signs and understand how they can be used to prevent tragedies.
At the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), ensuring these signs are present and legible is part of the work of the Rail Safety Division.
Identifying Problems Before They Become Emergencies
The CPUC’s Rail Safety Division inspectors regularly travel across California to inspect railroad crossings, investigate incidents, and verify compliance with safety requirements.
During these inspections, they look for issues that could put the public at risk, including missing signs, damaged equipment, malfunctioning crossing warning devices, and other safety concerns.
In March 2026, a Rail Safety Division inspector conducting an inspection in Ontario, Calif., discovered that a Union Pacific Railroad crossing was missing required crossing warning device and an ENS sign on both roadway approaches. Without these warning devices, drivers may not be aware about the crossing or that the crossing is an active crossing, and without an ENS sign, anyone experiencing an emergency would have had no immediate way to contact the railroad. After the issue was identified by the CPUC, Union Pacific Railroad corrected the problem and installed the required warning devices with the ENS sign. A follow-up inspection by the CPUC confirmed the crossing was brought back into compliance.
Missing signage for Eastbound approach
Signage installed for Eastbound approach
Similar work occurred in Jurupa Valley, where a Rail Safety Division inspector investigating a crossing incident discovered a private railroad crossing that was missing the crossing warning device and an ENS sign. The railroad was notified immediately, corrective action was taken, and a follow-up CPUC inspection verified that the required signs had been restored.
These inspections may seem routine, but they can have a significant impact on public safety. A missing sign today could become a critical problem tomorrow if someone needs help at a crossing during an emergency.
When ENS Signs Make a Difference
The value of an ENS sign goes beyond helping people during major emergencies.
In May 2026, a Rail Safety Division inspector in Vernon, Calif., observed crossing gates stuck in the lowered position at a railroad crossing, even though no train was approaching.
The inspector used the ENS sign posted at the crossing to contact the railroad's emergency number and report the issue. Railroad personnel responded and discovered vandals had damaged signal equipment by cutting wires connected to the crossing warning system.
Vandalized wire housing exposing signal wires.
Repaired wire housing.
After repairs were completed, the crossing gates returned to normal operation.
The incident demonstrated exactly why ENS signs exist. They provide a direct line of communication between the public and the railroad when there are any issues with the crossing itself or the crossing warning system that need repair/maintenance.
A Shared Responsibility for Safety
Railroad safety depends on more than inspectors, railroads, and first responders. The public also plays an important role.
Whether you are driving, walking, biking, or working near railroad tracks, knowing how to identify an ENS sign could help save lives.
The next time you approach a railroad crossing, take a moment to look for the blue and white sign posted on the crossing warning devices. If you encounter an emergency, a vehicle stuck on the tracks, damaged crossing equipment, or a crossing warning device that appears to be malfunctioning, use the information on the sign to contact the railroad immediately to report it.
What to Remember
- Always obey railroad crossing warning devices.
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Never drive around or under the lowered crossing gates.
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If your vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, get out immediately and move away from the tracks.
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Locate the blue and white ENS sign and call the emergency number listed.
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Be prepared to provide the crossing identification number shown on the sign.
Learn More
ENS Sign Awareness Day is observed nationwide on June 24 to raise awareness about the lifesaving importance of the Emergency Notification System signs at railroad crossings.
The CPUC Rail Safety Division works year-round to inspect crossings, investigate safety concerns, and help ensure California’s rail transportation system remains safe for everyone.
The next time you see a blue and white ENS sign, remember: knowing where it is and how to use it could make all the difference in an emergency.
By Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer