All too frequently we read in the paper or hear on the news about a pedestrian who has been struck by a train and killed or seriously injured.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
And then we ask ourselves, how can that happen?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Across the country the number of pedestrians that are struck by trains annually is very consistent, according to a Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority media release. In 2012, 442 people died after being hit by a train, which was up 7.5 percent over the 411 in 2011. In 2013, it was 448. In fact, more pedestrians are killed by trains than people in vehicles being struck by a train.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
So why does it happen? There are a number of reasons why pedestrians are struck by trains. They include:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Alcohol or other intoxicants \u2013 Alcohol dulls the senses, slows reflexes, and affects the decision making process.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Distractions \u2013 Headphones, friends, cell phones, and other distractions can reduce awareness of the danger.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suicides \u2013 Many of the pedestrian versus train incidents are intentional.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Playing on trestles \u2013 Many trestles span rivers and seem to be fun and safe places for young people.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lack of awareness about the danger \u2013 Not realizing how close a train is or how fast it is traveling.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Quieter trains \u2013 Modern trains are much quieter than older ones.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Quieter tracks \u2013 Modern track rails are longer, reducing or eliminating the classic \u201cclickity \u2013 clack\u201d noise.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In Kent, there have been several instances of people begin struck by trains. At least one case was a teen who did not hear the train due to either music or a cellphone. Often these tragedies happen away from established rail crossings. Keep in mind that if you are on any rail lines, you are trespassing on private property.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A diesel electric locomotive can weigh more than 150 tons and a fully loaded rail car more than 100 tons. A 100-car freight train can therefore weigh over 10,000 tons. It takes more than a mile for a train of this size to come to a complete stop. This means that even if a train engineer sees someone on the tracks, there is very little chance of stopping in time.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Kent Valley has several sets of tracks running through it. These lines carry freight, Amtrak, and Sounder trains \u2013 often at high speeds, many times each day.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
What can the public do to reduce the number of incidents involving pedestrians and trains? Follow these simple rules:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only cross tracks at designated public crossings.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 When crossing tracks, take the time to look both directions first.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Remember to look carefully and check for a second train before crossing tracks.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Remember that trains can travel from either direction.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Never cross or walk on tracks at any time other than at established crossings.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep in mind that trains are much wider than the tracks, so stand well back from moving trains.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Moving trains create a vortex of wind that can knock a person down or towards the train.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Never jump from, fish on, or walk on trestles.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Never attempt to board a moving train.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Remember that trains always have the right-of-way.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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