Help #STOPTrackTragedies during Rail Safety Week

By Lisa Mussman
Public Affairs Manager
Northwest Kansas 

It happens almost every three hours in the United States: a person or vehicle is hit by a train. And while these incidents affect different families, communities and train crews, they share one thing in common – nearly all of them could have been prevented.

Nearly 2,100 people are killed each year in train-vehicle collisions or by illegally walking, playing or taking photos on or near train tracks. To help raise awareness about train and track safety, Kansas is joining state and local agencies across the country to observe Rail Safety Week from Sept. 22-28.

Rail Safety Week was created in 2017 by Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations in response to a need for rail safety education and to empower the general public to stay safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way. Different rail safety messages will be delivered throughout the week and OLI will also be sharing stories from its #STOPTrackTragedies public awareness campaign, which highlights the personal stories of those affected by rail incidents.

In 2018, Kansas had 14 rail-related fatalities, with 11 of them being trespass casualties. While those numbers decreased from the previous year, the total number of rail crossing collisions remained the same at 34. 

OLI offers the following rail safety tips for drivers and pedestrians:

• Look and listen for trains when approaching all railroad crossings – obey all signs, warning lights and gates

• Trains are quieter and faster than you think – never try to beat a train!

• It can take up to a mile or more for trains to stop because of their size and weight – avoid distractions when approaching crossings

• Always expect a train on any track, in any direction – any time is train time

• Rail property is private property – walking, playing and taking photos on tracks is illegal and dangerous

For more information on Rail Safety Week and the #StopTrackTragedies campaign, visit www.oli.org.

Let's get on the right track: Taking pictures on train tracks is dangerous and against the law

Taking photos on train tracks is dangerous and illegal. Photo courtesy: Operation Life Saver

Picture this (pun intended) — it’s time for you or your loved ones to get professional photos taken. Many people are tempted to have their photos with train tracks as a background setting. Who wouldn’t be? The symbolism of train tracks receding into the distance and the optical illusion that they create can represent so many exciting moments in life. Perhaps a wedding is on the horizon, or even a new member of the family will arrive soon or maybe a high school senior just wants to have something that represents their future.

Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that not only is it dangerous to take photos on train tracks, it is also illegal.

According to Operation Life Saver’s website, every three hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train. In 2014, 500 people lost their lives while trespassing on train tracks.  In Kansas this year, there have been approximately 90 crashes at railroad crossings.

According to Operation Life Saver, it can take the length of 18 football fields to stop a train. That means trains do not have the ability to stop quickly to avoid hitting people or vehicles.

As mentioned earlier, train tracks create an optical illusion. The perspective of the tracks receding into the distance can make it hard to tell exactly how far a train is away from you. It can be difficult to know how fast a train is really going.

It is also very unsafe to take photos near the train tracks. Trains hang over the tracks by at least three feet, and the force and speed they go by adds to the danger as well.

No tracks should be assumed to be abandoned, and many of them are considered private property by yards and rights of way — even if you don’t see a “No Tresspassing” sign.  

If you must have train tracks as part of your photography, reach out to local railroad museums and ask them if they would be willing to host a photo shoot. Some private railyards may have options as well, but may require permission before use. Remember, if you do take photos with permission to always acknowledge that fact if you share them online or with family. People like to mimic what looks cool, and they could put their lives in danger. See tracks, think train.

There are many ways you improve safety while taking photos. Other exciting photo opportunities exist out there if you know where to look. Here are a few ideas:

• Well-shaded areas in parks: Playground equipment creates a nostalgic and whimsical setting and the photographer can create some really fun images with different angles and perspectives. If you find a park with a foot bridge, it can create a similar effect to train tracks. Some parks have flower gardens, which are great backdrop accessories.
• Rustic buildings: Taking a photo against a brick wall inside may not be terribly exciting. But if you venture to an older part of town and find historical buildings with chipped stone, paint deterioration and even bricks, you may find that the added texture can create a fun element.
• Staircases: Like railroad tracks, staircases can also represent change and new beginnings. Depending on the angle, you can achieve a cool perspective and illusion.
• Museums: Some museums allow visitors to schedule photoshoots on their grounds. Call ahead and ask your favorite museum if that is an option.
• The great outdoors: Be original! Explore the nooks and crannies of the world around you. 

For more information about Operation Life Saver and to find out how you can be safer around train tracks, visit www.OLI.org.