North Carolina marks Rail Safety Week, issuing stark reminders around issue
North Carolina is reminding locals to stay safe when passing by a railroad crossing.
The state is holding Rail Safety Week from Sept. 20 to 26 to increase public awareness about railroad safety to help end preventable deaths and injuries.
“This year, 17 people have died either by walking on tracks or being struck by a train at a railroad crossing in North Carolina,” according to the government. Also, there are approximately 1,200 deaths on U.S. train tracks each year, it added.
The government also provided the following reminders:
- When approaching a railway intersection, keep your car safely behind the white lines and never drive around the gate.
- Never stop your car on a railroad track. If it stalls, get out!
- Never race a train to a crossing.
- Trains always have the right-of-way, even when law enforcement and emergency vehicles are involved.
The government is also providing more information about rail safety through the N.C. Department of Transportation's BeRailSafe initiative, aimed at educating both children and adults about the dangers of being on and around railroad tracks.
More information about rail safety, including safety tips, first-responder training and other resources, is available here.
In July, Transport Canada announced it is looking for input from stakeholders on how to improve the safety culture within Canada's rail industry. The consultation period ended on Sept. 20.
Transport Canada also increased fines on people for trespassing on property where railway lines are located and for not giving way at railway crossings to reduce the number of accidents and incidents on said rail lines.
