Capitol Corridor, Amtrak & Union Pacific Railroad Remind Public to be ‘Track Smart’!
September Designated “Rail Safety Month” in California
OAKLAND, CALIF., August 31, 2012 – According to statistics kept by the Federal Railroad Administration, California holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of trespasser fatalities in the nation. To reduce these tragedies, State legislators passed a bill in 2009 that designated September as “Rail Safety Month.” Each year, intercity passenger rail service and freight rail operators team up to remind the public to always be ‘Track Smart.’
“While rail safety is our daily focus, Rail Safety Month provides rail operators an opportunity to join forces to help build public awareness about rail safety,” Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority Managing Director David Kutrosky said. “Every rail fatality on our corridor carries traumatic emotional consequences for all involved: the victims’ loved ones, first responders, railroad employees and passengers on the trains. Remember: trains can’t swerve. Stay out of their way, observe all warning signals and cross tracks only when it’s safe.”
Rail Safety Tips
* Always expect a train at every railroad crossing intersection. Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule and schedules for passenger trains change.
* If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks rusty.
* Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale “clackety-clack” sound. They can move in either direction at any time. Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
* Make sure to look both ways when crossing railroad tracks. If you see a train coming, don’t try to beat it, stay off the tracks.
* Cross tracks only when it’s safe and always cross at a designated crossing. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
* Don’t socialize or “hang out” on or near train tracks.
* Never walk, bike, jog, or run down a train track; it’s illegal and it’s dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a person or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
* Remember: Rail and recreation do not mix!
For more information on rail safety, visit Operation Lifesaver California’s website at www.caol.us/
About Capitol Corridor® – The Capitol Corridor serves sixteen stations along the 170-mile rail corridor connecting Placer, Sacramento, Yolo, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, paralleling both the I-80/I-680 and I-880 corridors in segments from Sacramento to San Jose. The CCJPA partners with Amtrak, Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans and the communities comprising the CCJPA to offer cost-effective intercity passenger rail and offers a convenient way to travel between the Sierra Foothills, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley/San Jose. For details about the Capitol Corridor, visit capitolcorridor.org or call 1-877-974-3322. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/CapitolCorridor and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CapitolCorridor
About Amtrak® – Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A record 30.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2011 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety of services. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.
About Operation Lifesaver – Operation Lifesaver programs are sponsored cooperatively by federal, state, and local government agencies; highway safety organizations, and the nation’s railroads. Much of Operation Lifesaver’s success depends on a foundation of active volunteers from transportation, law enforcement, safety, health and educational professionals. If you’d like to volunteer or to get more information about California Operation Lifesaver programs visit www.oli.org, call 1-877-TAP-CAOL (1-877-827-2265) or email them at [email protected]
About Union Pacific – One of America’s iconic companies, Union Pacific celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2012. Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. Today, Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America’s infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service. Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.
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