11/14/2007

Safety at Railroad Crossings

Safety at Railroad Crossings
Parents should teach children that trains and railroad tracks may be dangerous places. Railroad deaths and injuries are often preventable. Children should learn to never play on or near railroad tracks, and, if they must cross tracks, how to do so as safely as possible.

Important Statistics
Each year, an average of 916 people are killed and 8,300 are injured in collisions with trains in the United States. Collisions involve either trains and people or trains and motor vehicle occupants.
In 2005, a total of 39 children ages 15 and under were killed in a train collision.
Trespassing is Dangerous
In 2006, trespassing incidents resulted in 530 deaths. Trespassing fatalities occur when a person crosses over a non-public railroad crossing and is struck by a train.
Trespassing incidents include illegally traveling on or beside railroad tracks either by foot, bicycle, car, ATV, snowmobile, or any other vehicle. Trespassing also includes taking a shortcut across railroad tracks or property at any time.