CLAYTON – BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division's railroad safety unit, is promoting National See Tracks? Think Train! Week through education and outreach.
"National See Tracks? Think Train Week is a great opportunity to highlight railroad track and crossing safety messaging that we teach year-round" said NCDOT Rail Division director, Jason Orthner. “It is important for everyone to know how to safely and legally behave around railroad tracks and crossings to avoid unnecessary track tragedies."
On Tuesday, BeRailSafe and partner organizations, including the Clayton Police Department, N.C. Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak Police and Norfolk Southern Police, conducted three simultaneous crossing blitzes in Clayton and talked to over 1500 motorists to provide railroad track and crossing safety information. A “crossing blitz" is a public awareness safety exercise organized on roads near a railroad crossing where motorists are greeted and thanked for practicing safe driving behaviors. These activities emphasize the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws.
See Tracks? Think Train! Week happening Sept. 15 – 22 urges the public to be alert, recognize rail-related risks and take an active role in preventing tragic incidents. Throughout the week, state railroad safety programs and partners across the U.S. deliver rail safety education through community outreach, social media campaigns, news stories and in-person events.
"It's critical we get this information to as many people as possible to make them aware of the dangers of unsafe behavior around railroad tracks and crossings," says Ain Flowers, NCDOT's BeRailSafe program coordinator. “Our No. 1 goal is to save lives by teaching people about railroad track and crossing safety to prevent injuries and fatalities."
The BeRailSafe program provides free rail safety training 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 on railroad tracks and at crossings, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:
- All railroad tracks are private property, and trespassers can be arrested or fined, according to North Carolina General Statute.
- Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks. Tracks are not a shortcut.
- The only safe, and legal, place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing designated with either a rail crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate.
- It takes a train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile to stop - that's more than 18 football fields.
- Never drive around lowered gates. It's illegal and deadly.
- Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If you stop to wait for a train at a traffic signal, always stop safely behind the white line.
- 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.
For more safety tips or to request a BeRailSafe presentation, visit this BeRailSafe.org and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.
To download footage of today's event, please click here.