Brightline and public safety: “There’s Only One Message: Stay Off the Tracks!”

“Anti-Rail Campaign Puts Agenda Above Public Safety.”

To read the entire press release click on this link. Here are two excerpts:

In light of recent tragic incidents in Florida — and an unhelpful political campaign targeting the Brightline rail service [emphasis added] — the Rail Passengers Association, the Association of American Railroads and the American Public Transportation Association are coming together to educate the public on the importance of safe behavior around railroad tracks: it is never ok to use tracks as walking paths, and tracks should only be traversed using properly marked grade crossings.
     Unfortunately, some local political action groups have attempted to use these incidents in a campaign to impose new government regulation on railroads. Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE-FL) issued a press release suggesting it is ok and normal for kids to use railroads as a walking path. The fact is, the only safe place to cross rail tracks is at a designated public crossing, which are marked by flashing lights, a gate, crossbucks, or a combination of these safety signals.

and. . .

     “These tragic accidents are opportunities to teach pedestrians how to avoid dangerous situations, and we are committed to helping spread that message,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of RPA. “What CARE-FL has done in endorsing railroad rights-of-way as a way to get to and from school is equivalent to telling kids it’s ok to play in traffic.”
     “All of us have a role to play in preventing these tragedies, including discouraging reckless behavior on and around railroad tracks,” said AAR President and CEO Ed Hamberger. “Tracks are not playgrounds or shortcuts. When you see tracks, you need to think train.”

How to help get this very important information out to the public:

For more information on how to properly educate children and teenagers on how to stay safe around trains, you can find a number of resources at Operation Lifesaver.

“Why We’re Here”

Our mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad property through a nationwide network of volunteers who work to educate people about rail safety.

To become a volunteer for Operation Lifesaver click on this link and show how much you really CARE.