Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national nonprofit that focuses on rail safety education. Together with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations – OLI has observed Rail Safety Week (RSW).
This year it is being observed September 23-29, 2024 and is now called See Tracks? Think Train® Week. This dedicated week aims to educate people about rail safety and emphasize the importance of making safe choices when around railroad tracks and trains.
There were 2,192 highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the U.S. resulting in 247 fatalities and 766 injuries in 2023. A person or car is struck by a train in the United States every three hours. More than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates.
Walking along the track right of way or crossing the tracks is trespassing. And can be fatal.
Trains can run on any track and in any direction at any time. And don’t assume trains only run according to a published schedule.
Today’s trains aren’t loud which means it’s wrong to assume you can listen for the sound of a train to know when to clear the tracks. Electric vehicles and welded rails mean trains no longer make a clickety-clack noise. Approaching trains can also be very quiet when there is snow on the ground or the weather is damp. You won’t know the train is coming until it’s too late to get out of the way.
This is especially true if you’re wearing headphones or ear buds or when you’re on your phone.
At one million pounds – it takes a considerable distance for a train to come to a complete stop even when traveling at a moderate speed. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55MPH more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Trains always have the right of way. Closing gates, warning bells, and flashing lights at railroad crossings indicate that the train – or trains in multiple track territory – is approaching and has the right of way. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police, and pedestrians.
There are many benefits to using public transportation including browsing and listening to your favorite music without having to keep your eyes (and ears) on the road. Even though you are not the one behind the wheel – it is still important to be alert as distractions can be deadly. You should always focus on your surroundings – not your devices. Unplug and be alert. Headphones and train tracks are a dangerous combination.
SEPTA’s number one concern will always be YOUR safety. Do your part. See tracks. Think train. You can stop track tragedies.
If you notice an individual trespassing or in distress – please use the Transit Watch app to alert SEPTA Transit Police or text 215-234-1911.
For more information about SEPTA safety and to download PDFs of safety tips for all SEPTA modes – click here.