APEX – BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division's railroad safety education and outreach unit, is promoting the first National Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day.
“The sign may be small, but its impact is enormous," said Operation Lifesaver Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “This campaign empowers people with knowledge that can make all the difference in an emergency. Knowing what to do and how to act quickly can prevent a tragedy."
Yesterday, BeRailSafe and partner organizations, including Operation Lifesaver, Amtrack Police and the Apex Police Department, conducted a crossing blitz in Apex at the railroad crossing on Hunter Street. A “crossing blitz" is a public awareness safety campaign organized on roads near a railroad crossing where motorists are greeted and thanked for practicing safe driving behaviors and compliance with grade crossing laws.
“It's critical we get this information to as many people as possible to make people aware of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks," says Ain Flowers, NCDOT's BeRailSafe program coordinator. “Our No. 1 goal is to save lives by preventing people from trespassing on railroad tracks. It's illegal and it's dangerous."
The BeRailSafe program provides free rail safety training [ACB1] to police, fire and 911 operators in all 100 counties of North Carolina. Staff with the outreach program also promote rail safety statewide at festivals and events.
To prevent tragedies at crossings, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:
- Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If stopping for a train at a traffic signal, be sure to stop safely behind the white line.
- Only cross railroad tracks at public crossings designated with flashing red lights, a gate or a rail crossing sign.
- Don't drive around lowered gates at railroad crossings.
- If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out and call the number on the blue and white sign posted on the crossing gate.
Additionally, BeRailSafe teaches that all railroad tracks are private property, and trespassers can be arrested or fined. People should never walk, bike, play or take pictures on railroad tracks.
For more safety tips or to request a BeRailSafe presentation, visit this webpage.