Metrolink offers tips to prevent accidents

Metrolink offers the following rail safety tips to prevent accidents around tracks and train stations.

For drivers:

•Never drive around lowered gates. It’s illegal and deadly.

•Never race a train to the crossing.

•Don’t get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks.

•At a multiple track crossing while waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks approaching in either direction.

•Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied.

•Don’t be fooled by the optical illusion: the train you see is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

•Always expect a train. Freight trains don’t follow set schedules.

For pedestrians:

•Don’t walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels.

•Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.

•Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

•Don’t hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges and there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.

•Don’t attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.

•Remember: rails and recreation don’t mix.

For more rail safety tips, visit the Metrolink website at www.metrolinktrains.com or the Operation Lifesaver website at www.oli.org.