Stop Look Listen

The expression “Stop, Look, Listen” originated as a safety slogan used primarily at railroad crossings to remind pedestrians and drivers of the importance of being aware of oncoming trains. The phrase is a straightforward instruction:

1. Stop: This encourages people to halt their movement upon approaching a railroad crossing.
2. Look: This part of the slogan advises people to visually check both directions for trains.
3. Listen: The phrase then instructs people to listen for any auditory signals that a train is near.

Stop Look Listen ©2025 Eric Hatheway

The concept behind this slogan can be traced back to the early 20th century when the rise of motor vehicles made railroad crossings more dangerous. By the 1920s, “Stop, Look, and Listen” had become a widely recognized safety message across the United States, thanks to concerted efforts by railroad companies and government safety campaigns.

Over time, the phrase has been adopted in broader contexts beyond railroad safety, often used as a general reminder to proceed with caution and awareness in various situations.