Operation Lifesaver issues pedestrian safety tips as the 2016-17 school year begins

WASHINGTON, DC, August 31, 2016 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national, nonprofit rail safety education organization, is sharing its safety tips for parents and caregivers to help keep kids safe as they head back to school. Trespassing on train tracks or property is the number one cause of rail-related casualties in the U.S., the group noted.  

“Nearly 900 Americans were killed or injured in trespass incidents last year alone, so we want families to be aware of the need for caution around tracks and trains,” Bonnie Murphy, Operation Lifesaver’s president, said. “Today’s kids also have more distractions, like smart phones, that can make them less aware of their surroundings. Reviewing our safety tips will help keep students safe whenever their route takes them near or across train tracks.”

Operation Lifesaver’s Top Five Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals.
• Railroad tracks, bridges, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine.
• It can take a mile or more to stop a train because of its size and weight; any approaching train is always closer and moving faster than you think.
• Never play or walk on the tracks, or use train tracks as a shortcut – it’s dangerous and illegal.
• Stay alert around railroad tracks - no texting, gaming, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.

“Let’s make this a safe school year from beginning to end,” Murphy concluded.

About Operation Lifesaver - Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” equips the general public with tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more at http://www.oli.org; follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. 

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