The annual, week-long event comes as recent Federal Railroad Administration data reveals that nationwide trespasser fatalities have increased nearly 40% January through June in 2019 compared with the same period last year. A total of 319 railroad trespassers died in the first half of 2019 versus 228 in 2018.
There were 927 vehicle-train collisions at crossings during the period, up 4.6% from the previous year.
The trespass numbers don’t differentiate between careless trackside behavior and suicides; reporting of the latter incidents is imperfect because it is subject to interpretation by coroners who investigate the deaths. However, anecdotal evidence compiled by Amtrak and commuter agencies from locomotive video suggests that the growth of deaths in this segment is especially troubling.
Amtrak and more than 600 law enforcement agencies are spearheading “Operation Clear Track” this week: A series of three-hour safety details at more than 1,500 locations across the country where actual incidents involving motorists or trespassers have occurred. Police officers are issuing warnings and citations and distributing educational “safety tips” informational cards dealing with grade crossing and trespassing “don’ts” at the sites.
That’s what happened Tuesday morning in Chicago where tracks leading from the north side of Union Station cross busy Canal Street. Amtrak Police Sgt. Doug Balk and Officers Aaron Delgado and Job Hernandez took turns greeting a steady stream of office workers walking across the three tracks where rush-hour movements average a train every two minutes. They passed out more than 800 cards between 7:10 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., according to Balk.
While a crowd of pedestrians waited with Hernandez for the last of three trains to pass, TRAINS spotted a man on a motorized skateboard zip across — ignoring the flashing lights. Delgado saw the trespasser, picked up Hernandez, and the two Amtrak officers immediately took off in their squad car to issue a citation.
Although the main focus of the Amtrak initiative happened on Tuesday, Operation Lifesaver-sponsored events are taking place throughout the week. For instance, Friday morning a free breakfast gathering featuring local politicians and police will be held at 7 a.m. at the Bangor, Mich., station timed for the arrival of train 371, the Grand Rapids-Chicago Pere Marquette.
My grandfather taught me this in the 1950’s: Ignorance can be corrected, but stupid is forever. My firm (before retirement) looked into certain types of anomalies with regards to railroad insurers. No specifics given, but I have seen numerous cases where the operating entity is sued, by survivors of an idiot. Yes, you are an idiot if you attempt to beat a train. You place yourself, and those with you, at great risk. I see so much of this today, as some feel there is no accountability, as Noel Petit so eloquently stated. You may pay the ultimate price for your arrogance. Your choice, and it is a very selfish choice.
This issue always bothers me. We know who hurts the most being involved with a trespassing death but don’t think about it much. It’s the Railroad Crew! Always vigilant for problems, but having to stay in control while assessing possible deaths. Hopefully not many of them will have the experience, but for those who do have fate pressed upon them, there must be support from the public and the railroads. “I did everything the rules tell me to, but it happened so fast. Could I have done more?”
Noel Petit is 100% correct . STUPID will always be with us .
Unfortunately, you cannot remove stupid with legislation. Is it really the job of the police to tell people to stay away from the tracks? The prevention program will inform the law abiding, intelligent folks that trains will squish you. The rest just think that if the police are not there, they can get away with anything. This is the general attitude that if you outlaw something, people won’t do it. Let’s take drugs for example. Laws have not affected misuse of drugs. Guns; same thing. And if you raise the penalty the effect is small (Chicago has the toughest gun laws; has it stopped the rash of murders?)
I support Operation LIfesaver and volunteer for them. But what can be done to really keep folks safe? Breakfast with police departments may not be the way.