Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the U.S. California is particularly vulnerable, with 2.5 times more trespass fatalities and 2 times the number of grade crossing fatalities than the next highest states.
During Rail Safety Month in September and throughout the year, these sobering statistics from California Operation Lifesaver are important to Orange County, where rails carrying passenger and freight trains frequently cross the terrain.
OCTA is encouraging Orange County residents to learn about and practice rail safety by pledging to be rail safe for a chance to win two Metrolink tickets.
Here’s what it means to be rail safe:
- Crossing only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. It’s safer and crossing anywhere else is illegal.
- Staying alert around railroad tracks. Avoid texting, headphones, or other distractions. Today’s trains are very quiet and they don’t always sound their horns.
- Remembering that it takes about one mile—the length of 18 football fields—for a train to stop.
- Expecting a train at any time. Trains can move in either direction at any time, day or night.
For more information on rail safety, visit here.