Rail Safety Week is September 23-29
Operation Lifesaver, New England Mobile and the U.S. Department of Transportation invite you to observe the Second national Rail Safety Week. We are sharing this railroad safety information hoping you will pass this knowledge on to everyone, especially any children in your life.
Railroad Safety Facts:
In 2017, there were 2,106 collisions reported at rail crossings in the U.S. About every 5 days, a child dies from a train collision. In 2017 alone, 75 children ages 0-19 died because of a collision with a train. These collisions occur both at railroad crossings as well as when children walk or ride on or around railway tracks, which is considered trespassing.
To start changing these facts for the better, Safe Kids and Union Pacific recommend the following safety tips to keep children and adults safe around tracks.
Railroad Safety Tips:
Only cross railroad tracks at a designated crossing. Designated crossings are marked by a sign, lights or a gate.
If lights are flashing or the gate is down at a railroad crossing, wait for the train to pass completely before crossing. It is never okay to rush across and try to beat the train.Trains may be closer and faster than you think.
Allow enough space for your vehicle to completely clear the entire railroad crossing, not just the tracks, before you attempt to cross. Remember, trains are at least three feet wider than the tracks on either side, so even though you clear the tracks, you may still get hit by the train.
If you are using a cell phone, headphones or a game, remember: heads up, devices down when you cross the tracks. Once a train starts to brake, it can take a mile for the train to stop. So when you see a train, it’s already too late for it to stop for you. Headphones should be removed, so you can hear an approaching train’s horn.
Don’t be tempted to walk along the railroad track. It might be a shortcut, but it is dangerous and not worth the risk. It is against the law to walk on the track and the land around it because it is private property.
New England Mobile encourages you to share these facts and tips. We want to ensure every family realizes how important it is to make sure they teach their children how to be safe when it comes to train tracks.
Comments