All too frequently people 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
Each year in Washington State for the last 10 years, at least 16 pedestrians were struck and killed by a train, according to a media release from the Kent-based Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority. In 2015 that number spiked to 27 people killed.<\/p>\n
So why does it happen? According to Puget Sound Fire, there are a number of reasons why pedestrians are struck by trains:<\/p>\n
• Alcohol or other intoxicants – Alcohol dulls the senses, slows reflexes, and affects the decision making process.<\/p>\n
• Distractions – Headphones, friends, cellphones, and other distractions can reduce awareness of the danger.<\/p>\n
• Suicides – Many of the pedestrian versus train incidents are intentional.<\/p>\n
• Playing on trestles – Many trestles span rivers and seem to be fun and safe places for young people.<\/p>\n
• Lack of awareness about the danger – Not realizing how close a train is or how fast it is traveling.<\/p>\n
• Quieter trains – Modern trains are much quieter than older ones.<\/p>\n
• Quieter tracks – Modern track rails are longer, reducing or eliminating the classic “clickity – clack” noise.<\/p>\n
In Kent, there have been several instances of people struck by trains. At least one recent 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
A diesel electric locomotive can weigh more 150 tons and a fully loaded rail car more than 100 tons. A 100 car freight train can therefore weigh more than 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
What can the public do to reduce the number of incidents involving pedestrians and trains? Follow these simple rules:<\/p>\n
• Only cross tracks at designated public crossings.<\/p>\n
• When crossing tracks, take the time to look both directions first.<\/p>\n
• Remember to look carefully and check for a second train before crossing tracks.<\/p>\n
• Remember that trains can travel from either direction.<\/p>\n
• Never cross or walk on tracks at any time other than at established crossings.<\/p>\n
• Keep in mind that trains are much wider than the tracks, so stand well back from moving trains.<\/p>\n
• Moving trains create a vortex of wind that can knock a person down or towards the train.<\/p>\n
• Never jump from, fish on or walk on trestles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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