Metrolink Matters Helping people remember to be safe around railroad tracks is one of Metrolink’s highest priorities. We want you to “Be Track Smart” by staying alert near tracks and at railroad crossings. Remember, “See Tracks, ALWAYS Think Train!”
Every day people are walking, exercising and taking pictures on or too close to the tracks, which is illegal and dangerous. Trespassing incidents were up nationwide 14.5% last year, resulting in 988 deaths and injuries.
In California, deaths and injuries from grade crossing crashes fell 1.2 percent in 2017 compared to 2016 but pedestrian-train incidents rose 18.9 percent, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The FRA reports 380 people were killed or injured at crossings or trespassing on rights of way, compared to 348 in 2016.
About every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train and results in serious injury or death. Remember these points when near tracks and trains:
- Trains can’t stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks
- An optical illusion makes it hard to determine a train’s distance from you – and its speed.
- If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you see no train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.
Metrolink partners with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a non-profit organization providing public education programs to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings to help remind you how to stay safe.
For more information on rail safety, visit the Metrolink website and Operation Lifesaver.
