TRAIN SAFETY TALK

Railroad tracks are a common sight in many towns and cities across the United States.

Trains are responsible for many injuries and property damage incidents every single year.  In fact, it is estimated that every 3 hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train. These types of incidents have greatly decreased in the past few decades, but they are not rare.

PASSENGER SAFETY – WHILE ON BOARD THE TRAIN

• Always pay attention to announcements made by the train crew.
• Report any suspicious packages or behaviors immediately to the train crew.
• Keep all of your belongings close at hand.
• Keep all children under direct adult supervision.
• Try to remain seated while the train is in motion. If you need to move while the train is in motion, please use handrails in the stairwells and the handles on chair tops while moving through the aisles.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• While seated, look around your area to locate the nearest emergency exits.
• Do not run on board the train.
• If you notice that another passenger may need First Aid, immediately contact a train crew member; they are certified to operate our on board defibrillators and First Aid kits.
• If you notice a safety/security threat posed by a fellow passenger(s), report it immediately to the train crew.

At the Stations / Platforms

• Stay well behind the yellow line at all times. Do not sit or stand on these lines while waiting for a train.
• Never try to board a train: once the departure whistle blows, when the ‘doors closing’ signal sounds or when train crews announce the train doors are closing.
• Keep children under constant adult supervision.
• Expect a train at any time, on any tracks, in either direction.
• Remember that Amtrak passenger trains and BNSF freight trains share our tracks; expect them to be traveling at speeds of 55 to 79 miles per hour through our stations.
• Never place any objects, such as rocks or coins, on the tracks, as they can shoot back at bystanders with the speed of a bullet, and may cause severe injuries.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially from dusk to dawn.
• Do not ride bicycles or skateboards on the platform, for the safety of other passengers.
• Never step on the railroad tracks, ties, or ballast rocks surrounding the tracks.
• Pay attention to any audible/visual announcements from the train staff at station message boards regarding safety, delays, warnings, or other information.
• Every station has an Emergency Call Station on or near one of the information kiosks. Pressing this call button will immediately connect you with local emergency response; “prank” callers will be fined.
• Please do not drop off passengers in areas designated as “Bus Lanes”.

WHILE DRIVING

• Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by electronic devices, passengers, or other things that could take your mind off of crossing the train tracks safely.
• Be aware of all traffic signs that alert you about nearby railroad tracks.
• Stop at, or slightly behind, the solid white stop line painted on the roadway just before the crossing gates.
• If the crossing is on a dirt/private road, always look both ways before proceeding across the tracks.
• Never stop your vehicle on the tracks, especially in heavy traffic.
• Never allow any portion of your stopped vehicle to hang over the tracks: If you don’t fit, don’t commit!
• Never pass another car or shift gears while crossing train tracks.
• Trains always have the right-of-way at a crossing; yield to the train.
• Never, never, never try to beat a train. Even if you tie, you lose.
• The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.
• Because of its size, it takes a train a much longer distance to come to a stop than any automobile. It is much easier to move a car than to stop a train.
• At a multiple track crossing, while waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
• At certain rail road crossings designated as “Quiet Zones”, trains will not sound their horns.
• Be aware of vehicles that will stop at all train crossings (except those that are marked exempt), such as Hazardous Materials transporters and buses. Never try to pass them; highway/rail crossings are a no-passing zone.
• To report a malfunctioning crossing gate, or for notification of persons spotted walking on/near the railroad tracks, please call customer service at 866-795-7245.
• Either underneath the crossbuck sign or on the silver bungalow (box) located near the crossing, you can find information about the street name, railroad milepost number (“RRMP”), Department of Transportation identification number and letter (“DOT 123456X”), and an emergency phone number to report safety or security issues at a crossing.

FINAL WORD

As a pedestrian or in a vehicle, you have little chance to survive being directly struck by a train. Operation Lifesaver states that the force of a 30 car train hitting a car is the equivalent of a car striking a soda can. Always observe the safety messages and signals when around railroad tracks or crossing tracks.