There is no better place to be during the summer than the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Northwest Washington. The lure of the sunshine, water and mountains makes it an outdoor wonderland. Unfortunately, that lure can bring with it unfortunate consequences when people trespass on railroad tracks, and these often fatal occurrences are playing out way too often here in Snohomish County, throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
For some people — young and old, men and women — railroad tracks seem benign and present an inviting place to walk, play, or watch birds and animals. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen again this year, trespassing on railroad property — which includes walking on tracks — is against the law and can have deadly consequences. There are lots of reasons for accidents: People don’t hear trains coming, or a train has just gone by so they think it must be safe, or sometimes they think railroad tracks and bridges in remote areas are abandoned.
Fortunately, railroad accidents are almost always preventable. People love to get outdoors in summer — to hike, climb, camp, fish and swim. And Snohomish County is blessed with countless places to enjoy those activities without conflicting with railroad tracks. That’s the best prevention: Stay away from railroad tracks and enjoy the safety of developed trails. Check with the Washington Trails Association (www.wta.org) for information about safe and approved places to hike.
Washington Operation Lifesaver is a free railroad safety program offered to schools, organizations, and events. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad is an enthusiastic supporter of Operation Lifesaver. Each year BNSF and Operation Lifesaver volunteers, many of whom were trained by BNSF, reach more than 10,000 people in classes on grade-crossing safety. BNSF has also invested millions of dollars to improve safety measures at grade crossings and to limit access to railroad tracks. As a result, BNSF has one of the lowest grade crossing collision rates in the industry.
Here are some safety tips to make sure we all stay safe this summer:
- Trains are always closer and moving faster than they appear.
- Trains are quieter than ever. Wearing headphones makes it virtually impossible to hear an approaching train.
- Trains cannot stop fast enough to avoid collision. It may take a train more than a mile to come to a complete stop!
- Railroad bridges and tunnels are extremely dangerous. Railroad bridges are not diving platforms. Never walk on a bridge or enter a tunnel.
- Don’t stand or stop a vehicle close to tracks when a crossing gate is down. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further.
- Trains do not run according to a strict timetable. Always expect a train at each road-rail intersection.
- Trains can move in either direction at any time on multi-track sections. Even as one train passes, another could be coming from the opposite direction.
- Don’t assume railroad tracks are unused. If there are rails on the railroad ties always assume the track is in use.
- Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals.
No one cares more and works harder to prevent railroad accidents than the train crew inside the cab of a locomotive. Let’s be smart about railroad safety and make this summer the safest ever.
Jared Wootton is the general manager for the Northwest Division of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
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