It’s National Rail Safety Week, and the city of Warsaw is supporting the campaign by encouraging residents to reflect on their own habits and make changes to protect their lives and the safety of train crew members.
According to a news release from the city, every three hours in the United States a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Over the last 10 years, about 20,000 people have been killed or seriously injured because they engaged in unsafe behavior at railroad crossings, or were illegally walking, playing or taking photos on train tracks.
Ninety-five percent of rail-related incidents in the U.S. involve vehicle-train collisions at railroad crossings or people on the tracks being struck by trains.
On Tuesday, Warsaw police will be supporting National Operation Clear Tracks day by increasing enforcement at Warsaw railroad crossings and educating motorists on laws and safety.
Motorists stopped on the tracks, driving around crossing gates or any other unsafe activity will be approached by an officer and provided a flyer on rail safety. Many of Warsaw’s train accidents occur due to cars stopped or stalled on the tracks.
Warsaw is segmented by two railroad tracks in the heart of the city. Trains and railroad tracks are a part of everyday life for area residents, but there continue to be accidents and injuries related to the railroads.
As a result, residents are reminded of five rail safety tips:
• Look and listen for trains as you approach every railroad crossing. Obey all signs, warning lights and gates.
• Trains are quieter and faster than you think. Never try to beat a train.
• Because of their size and weight, it can take a train a mile or more to stop. The impact of one train locomotive is equal to that of a passenger car driving over an empty soda can.
• Always expect a train on any track coming from any direction. Locomotives can push or pull a train. Avoid distractions when you approach a crossing. Never stop your car on a track, even momentarily while waiting for a traffic signal to change. You never know when the next train will be coming or if you’ll be able to move your vehicle in time.
• Rail property is private property. Walking, or engaging in activities such as photography, on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.
Every railroad crossing has an Emergency Notification System blue sign that displays a phone number and identification number. If there is a problem with a crossing, a safety concern, suspicious activity, an object obstructing the track, or a vehicle stuck on the track, a call to that number will immediately connect with a railroad dispatcher from that specific railroad who can pinpoint the location and take appropriate action. A dispatcher can make communication with a train engineer within 5 to 10 seconds of receiving a call so that the train can be stopped.
If a vehicle becomes stuck with a train actively approaching, the driver should abandon the vehicle, run at a 45-degree angle toward the train, and only call the emergency number if it is safe to do so. If a vehicle becomes trapped between the safety gates, they should drive through the gates because the gates are designed to break away to prevent a collision.
A call to 911 will not help a train to stop on time. In a railroad emergency, the first call should be to the railroad dispatcher using the Emergency Notification System.
The city of Warsaw urges residents to not put their lives on the line to get somewhere quicker. Always be aware of the railroad tracks and help to keep both community members and railroad crews safe.
