Rail Safety Month
See Tracks? Think train!
When you see tracks, always think train! September is rail safety month and Amtrak San Joaquins aims to raise awareness in partnership with California Operation LifeSaver about risky pedestrian and driver behavior around railroad tracks. Below are a few safety tips for when you, “See tracks? Think train!”
Did you know?
- A typical freight train can take more than a mile to stop, even when emergency brakes are applied-the distance of 18 football fields!
- It’s never safe to stop closer than 15 feet from rails, and a train is at least three feet wider than the tracks on both sides. 95 percent of all rail-related deaths involve driver trying to beat a train, or people trespassing on railroad tracks.
- Railroad tracks are private property, and walking on them is trespassing-it’s illegal and dangerous; you risk being ticketed and fined, seriously injured or killed.
- NEVER drive around lowered gates- it’s illegal and deadly, if your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks. Even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle. If you run in the same direction a train is traveling, you could be injured by flying debris.
- ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
- IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Locate the blue ENS sign at the rail crossings and call the number.
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commissions Staff Showing their support for Rail Safety Month!
“It’s important to understand that by the time an engineer sees a person or vehicle on the tracks it is often too late for them to stop the train,” said Nancy Sheehan-McCulloch Executive Director of California Operation. “California has the highest number of trespass and grade crossing fatalities in the United States. Through our rail safety education and campaigns our goal is to raise awareness to change dangerous behaviors near railroad tracks. We ask the public to help us save lives by always making safe decisions near railroad tracks and to share our rail safety message with family and friends.”
Nancy Sheehan-McCulloch
Executive Director
California Operation Lifesaver