July 1, 2008

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- For thousands of families, the end of the school year signals holiday vacations and recreational activities.

With the summer approaching, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) wants to remind children, motorists and pedestrians to stay away from the railroad tracks. The UTC urges the public to respect railroad property and be cautious when crossing railroad tracks and at highway-grade and pedestrian crossings.

Every year, Washington consistently ranks near the top 15 states for trespass fatalities. And with the state’s increasing population and light-rail expansion in the Seattle area, it is important to convey some clear railroad-safety messages that could save your life.

If the lights are flashing and the crossing gates are down, don’t cross the tracks. If no signals are present at the crossing, slow down and look both ways before going over the tracks. Don’t expect to rely on your ability to hear the train coming before you get out of the way. When traveling near the railroad, remember these safety guidelines:

· Never walk along railroad tracks. It is illegal and dangerous. Modern trains run on seamless ribbons of welded rail and approach very quietly. Some have the powered locomotive in the back and there is no engine noise up front.
· Cross the railroad tracks only at a designated vehicle or pedestrian crossing.
· At a multiple railroad-track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction, before proceeding.
· Never talk on a cell phone or use earphones near railroad tracks.
· Do not be fooled; the train you see is closer and moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to pass by before you proceed across the tracks.

The UTC investigates train accidents, inspects railroad crossings, approves rail-safety improvement projects and manages Operation Lifesaver, a statewide rail-safety education program in Washington. Over the last five years, the commission has spent $775,245 to install lights and gates, fences and signs at crossings and along railroad tracks statewide.

In 2007, 16 people were killed by trains in Washington. Four were confirmed suicides. So far this year, 10 people have died, of whom three were suicides.