At the start of Rail Safety Month in September, OCTA, Metrolink, and Operation Lifesaver Inc. officials launched the agencies' combined safety campaign of "See Tracks? Think Train!" at the City of Orange train station that serves both Metrolink and Amtrak passengers.
OCTA Director Todd Spitzer, also a Metrolink board member, and CEO Darrell Johnson participated in the event along with Mark Kalina, a "See Tracks? Think Train!" spokesperson and an Operation Lifesaver volunteer who shared his story about the night his life changed due to a shortcut across train tracks.
According to Federal Rail Administration statistics, 476 pedestrian rail trespass fatalities occurred in 2013 nationally. California had the highest number (76) of trespass deaths of any state, nearly three times as any other.
In addition to the number of pedestrian trespassers, there were 2,087 highway-rail grade crossing collisions in 2013. Of those collisions, 146 occurred in California, claiming 43 additional lives.
In addition to passenger rail, the region has thousands of freight trains that cross before pedestrians and drivers in Southern California. On a daily basis, more than 70 Metrolink, Amtrak and freight trains pass through the Orange Station alone.
The Orange event was the springboard of outreach efforts to caution pedestrians to stay away from train tracks and avoid the life-changing effects of carelessness around railroads. The intent of the campaign is aimed at raising awareness about risky pedestrian and driver behavior around railroad tracks.
Through public service announcements, onboard bus advertisements, posters, press releases, and online and social media, OCTA is working to help prevent future incidents. The need for rail safety education is ongoing. The OCTA website includes important safety tips for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.