WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the start of Rail Safety Week across North America. While rail remains the safest way to move goods over land, according to the Association of American Railroads, this week, railroads and other safety advocates are intensifying their efforts to enhance public safety near railroad tracks — the single largest, most persistent rail safety challenge. According to Federal Railroad Administration data, more than 95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a grade crossing or a person on the tracks.
Overwhelmingly, these tragedies are preventable.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Ian Jefferies, Association of American Railroads president and CEO, says, “Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Rail Safety Week is a call to action, rallying the public to understand these avoidable risks. Stopping track tragedies demands collective effort. There is more work to do, and each one of us has a role to play.”
Operation Lifesaver, Inc., Operation Lifesaver Canada, and the Mexican Association of Railroads are again joining forces to help prevent tragedies around railroad tracks and trains this Rail Safety Week — Sept. 18-24. This annual week-long event concentrates public attention on the need for rail safety education and saves lives by educating and empowering the public to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.
“Rail Safety Week focuses awareness and education activities around the country into 7 exciting days. Daily themes include rail safety tips emphasizing crossing safety for drivers, trespass prevention for pedestrians, safe practices for transit riders, no photos on tracks, and more,” says Rachel Maleh, executive director of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. “During this annual observance, safety partners across North America join us for a concentrated week of sharing the important rail safety message. Everyone can help make their communities safer. Know the facts, recognize the signs, make good decisions, and join us. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”
In 1972, when Operation Lifesaver was formed, there were 12,000 train-vehicle collisions in the U.S. Through education and awareness programming, OLI has helped reduce that number by 83% to 2,100 in 2021.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by following these top six rail safety tips:
- Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all signs, warning lights and gates.
- Never try to beat a train, as trains are quieter and faster than you think.
- Recognize it can take a mile or more to stop a train because of its size and weight.
- Always expect a train on any track, in any direction and avoid distractions when you approach a crossing.
- Be aware that trains can extend 3 feet or more beyond the steel rail, so maintain a safe distance from the platform or track’s edge.
- Remember that rail property is private property, and walking on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.
All week, Operation Lifesaver — the nation’s leader in rail safety education — will host programming and events nationwide to equip the public with the knowledge to make smart decisions near trains and tracks.
Think for a moment about the engineer and other employees in the cab of the locomotive or control car. I don’t want to imagine how they must feel before, during, and after such a crash, Do the railroads, unions, regulatory agencies, etc., assist them with their trauma?
I do a lot of railroad photography. I see people do some really crazy and unsafe actions including taking pictures in the middle of the right of way and not controlling children around tracks.. I am a retired Amtrak employee. I never trespass on railroad property unless I have permission of the owning railroad to go on the property. Even then, I am always aware of what is going on. Railroading is a very unforgiving business. Always expect a train and STAY SAFE.
And as most people will recall, “ONE TRAIN CAN HIDE ANOTHER!”
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
This message applies to both railfans and non railfans alike. During my trips on trains and watching trains, I have seeen people do some of the mostdagerous and stupidest things and especially railfans putting their lives in danger by trepassing onti railroad tracks and the right of way and even onto railroad property. There are plenty of safe spots on public property to watch and photograph trains and that includes a station platform safely and back from the edge of the platform and tracks. As railfans we have the respoibility to promote safety and good sense aroundrailroad tracks. property and trains. We want the railroads and management to trust us and respect us and not look upon us as irresponible jerks or idiots or people up to no good. Railfans, enjoy this hobby and have fun but practice safety, sensibility and good sense and help and promote others including the general public and non railfans to practice safety and awareness around all railroad facilities and stations.
Joseph C. Markfelder
See TRACKS! Think TRAIN! See TRACES of RAILFANNING! Think TRAINS Magazine!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün