Railroads gear up for safety week activities across North America

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Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver, and Federal Railroad Administration held an ceremony at Washington Union Station in 2022 to unveil the new 50th Anniversary Operation Lifesaver Locomotive. Amtrak P42 No. 203 was selected for the honor. Jeff SchultzWASHINGTON – The “See Tracks, Think Trains Week,” which kicks off today and runs through Sunday, aims to enhance public safety by raising awareness about the importance of staying safe around railroad tracks.

More than 95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through grade crossings or a person on the tracks, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The Association of American Railroads says this fact underscores the need for continued vigilance and education to address and reduce preventable tragedies.

“Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train,” AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said in a statement. “‘See Tracks, Think Trains Week’ is a call to action, rallying the public to understand and avoid risky behavior near railroad tracks. Stopping track tragedies demands collective effort. There is more work to do, and each one of us has a role to play.”

“See Tracks, Think Trains Week” is dedicated to saving lives by raising public awareness about the importance of safety around railroad tracks. To ensure your safety and that of your loved ones, always follow these 6 essential rail safety tips:

Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all signs, warning lights and gates. Never try to beat a train, as trains are quieter and faster than you think. Recognize it can take a mile or more to stop a train because of its size and weight. Always expect a train on any track, in any direction and avoid distractions when you approach a crossing. Be aware that trains can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail, so maintain a safe distance from the platform or track’s edge. Remember that rail property is private property, and walking on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.

All week, Operation Lifesaver will be hosting programming and events across the nation to help the public make smart decisions near trains and tracks. More information on the “See Tracks? Think Train!” campaign is available online.

“Rail is the safest way to transport goods across land, and safety around the tracks is everyone’s responsibility. Through Operation Lifesaver’s ‘See Tracks Think Train Week,’ we help raise awareness about the simple actions that can prevent accidents and save lives,” said John Fleps, vice president of safety at Norfolk Southern. “Every day, trains pass through our communities. By staying well-clear of railroad tracks, remaining alert, and making safe choices at railroad grade crossings, the public has tremendous power to prevent an accident involving a driver or pedestrian from occurring.”

CSX’s Incident Reduction Team will engage in education and enforcement activities across the railroad to reduce the number of rail related incidents in communities.

“Safety is at the core of our ONE CSX culture, and is foundational to efficient, reliable train operations,” Chief Operating Officer Mike Cory said in a statement. “Our goal is zero accidents, so for us, one crossing collision is too many. That’s why we are committed to working together for safety with Operation Lifesaver and ensuring our employees, loved ones, and neighbors are well informed on how to stay safe around the railroad.”

Canadian Pacific Kansas City this week joins Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Inc. in the U.S., and the Mexican Association of Railroads to raise rail safety awareness in communities across North America.

Throughout the week, CPKC Police Service officers in Canada and the United States will be out in schools, neighborhoods and communities across CPKC’s network conducting rail safety presentations to warn about the dangers of unsafe behavior around trains and tracks. In Mexico, CPKC de México representatives will help spread the safety message #VesVíasPiensaEnTren (#SeeTracksThinkTrain) in collaboration with AMF by educating students, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians about staying safe at railway crossings and near tracks.

“A rail incident can have devastating, long-lasting effects on families, friends, communities, train crews and first responders,” said Dale Ruzycki, CPKC Chief of Police Canada. “During Rail Safety week, and all year round, we work to encourage children and adults to always act safely around tracks and trains so that everyone goes home safely.”

CPKC will be participating in Operation Clear Track in Canada which includes the unveiling of “Look. Listen. Live.” rail decals at four railway crossings across CPKC’s network in Canada. In conjunction with OLI, CPKC will be promoting #STOPTrackTragedies in the U.S.

Canadian National is participating in Rail Safety Week in Canada as well as “See Tracks, Think Trains Week” in the U.S.

CN Police Services, along with many other CN employees, will share important rail safety messages in communities across CN’s network to help prevent rail related accidents and injuries.

“Safety is a shared responsibility. CN encourages communities to get involved and spread the safety message, raising awareness on the dangers of unsafe behavior on or near railway property. Railways have been part of communities for over a century, powering the North American economy and connecting it to the rest of the world. I urge you to support Rail Safety Week initiatives and speak to your loved ones, neighbors, and communities about the critical importance of being safe around rail property; you could help save a life,” says Stephen Covey, chief of police and chief security officer at CN.

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