Summer is right around the corner and with it comes kids out for summer, parents ready for family outings, and vacation planning in the works. The warm summer weather and long daylight hours make hiking, biking, camping, ATV rides, and more, a vacation wonderland of appealing outdoor activities.
All our outdoor activities should be done keeping safety in mind. Safety includes making the right choices whenever you are near railroad tracks and trains. Making Rail Safe Choices should always be a priority. Never let any of your activities take you on or near tracks and trains.
California has the highest number of Trespass Casualties (injuries and fatalities) and the second highest number of Grade Crossing incidents in the U.S. Sadly, we have the highest number of fatalities for both Trespass and Grade Crossing. Below are our 2022 statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration.
These statistics emphasize the need for our rail safety education. CAOL is grateful for our team of trained Authorized Volunteer Presenters who are prepared to provide our rail safety education. You can request a presentation or ask us to participate in an event. We look forward to working with your class, group, and community.
We are fortunate to have amazing Rail Safety Partners who support CAOL and participate in our year-round campaigns Together we share a mutual commitment to increasing Rail Safety Awareness and changing dangerous behaviors near railroad tracks. We can enhance our CAOL Mission by growing Rail Safety Partnerships and creating proactive Rail Safe California communities.
We hope you will join us by choosing safety near tracks and trains. Help us Save Lives by asking your loved ones to make safe decisions and to always, Respect The Rails! Save Lives Tell 5!
Please practice and share these Rail Safety Tips:
Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police, and pedestrians.
Freight trains don’t travel at fixed times and schedules for passenger trains change.
All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it’s illegal and very dangerous.
By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks it’s too late. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile, the length of 18 football fields, to stop.
Trains can move in either direction at any time. Always Expect a Train!
Today’s trains are quieter than ever! An approaching train is always closer, moving faster than you think.
Remember to cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.
Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
Blue and White (ENS)Sign: GET OUT! GET AWAY! FIND THE BLUE AND WHITE SIGN: If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train. Call the number on the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and share the crossing ID number with the dispatcher. No sign? Dial 911.
Please share rail safety messages with your family and friends. #SeeTracksThinkTrain #SaveLivesTell5!
Learn More:
Follow CAOL: www.caoperationlifesaver.com Facebook Twitter Instagram
Follow OLI: www.oli.org Facebook Twitter Instagram
