Ride safe: Make the most important stop of your day
Stay safe around train tracks
Sept. 19-25 is Rail Safety Week.
The week marks a collaborative effort among Operation Lifesaver, Inc., local programs and rail safety partners across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
According to Operation Lifesaver, track crossing and trespassing incidents in North American injure or kill more than 2,100 people every year.
Safety education is a key component to reducing the probability of an incident occurring.
Trains can’t stop, but you can. Being safe around trains only takes a few seconds. Here are a few actionable items so you can stay out of harm’s way around Link and Sounder trains:
Look both ways
Always expect a second train! Trains come from both directions, so always be alert to your surroundings.
Headphones off, screens down
Being preoccupied near rail tracks never leads to a positive result. Put your phone away, so you can keep your mind present on where you are.
Take crosswalks, not shortcuts
Trains will always have the right of way, so pay attention to traffic signals. Do not walk around or under rail crossing gates—they’re diverting you for a reason. You may think you’ll have enough time to get across the tracks, but don’t leave it to guesswork.
Stay behind the yellow line
The yellow strip creates a boundary between the train and the station platform. Step back and look up, to make sure you’re at a safe distance from where the trains will be. Also, don’t run in this vicinity—you may think you’re fast, but trains are much faster.
Bike smart, ride safe
Always remember to pay attention when cycling or scootering around train tracks. When riding across tracks, be sure you’re at a legal crossing, look both ways and cross the tracks carefully. Also, always cross tracks at a right angle to avoid getting your tires stuck in the track.
