Back to school means back to rail safety basics

We hate to say it but…soon students will be flooding subways, buses and the streets, making their way to classes across the nation. With the first day of school rapidly approaching, it’s time to refresh the rail safety basics. Why, you ask? Simple. Rail safety needs to be an important part of every student’s daily routine. Whether you encounter a level crossing walking or riding your bike to school, taking the train, driving or riding the bus, knowing how to be rail safe will get you to school on time, with all your limbs and alive. [caption id="attachment_12258" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Subway platform Photo credit: ryersonian.ca[/caption]

6 rail safety tips to get you through the school year alive

  1. Do you know the various rail safety signs and devices that are present around railway property? If you said no, don’t wait another minute—check out those signs and devices and their meanings now!
  2. Running late to class? Don’t take the chance by taking a shortcut over the tracks—only cross train tracks at designated level crossings.
  3. In case you don’t know: Railway property is private property! Being on railway property for any reason at all is considered trespassing – it’s illegal and can prove to be deadly. That means it’s not the right place for a lunch or hangout spot.
  4. Being distracted around train tracks is a good way to get killed. So if you’re in the midst of a heavy text conversation, updating your Facebook status or playing an intense game of Pokémon Go—for the sake of the first responders, your family and the train crew—stay away from the tracks! Look up and be aware of your surroundings! Because your death would haunt them forever.
  5. Trains can be deadly silent (seriously – watch this video from the Today Show to see how long it takes to hear a train come up the tracks behind you). This rail safety tip is especially important if you’re listening to tunes on the regular. Remove your headphones when you’re around the tracks! Don’t let your favourite song lead you onto the tracks and potentially to your death.
  6. Know the saying: Always look both ways before you cross the road? The same applies here. Always look both ways before you cross the tracks! It doesn’t matter how old you are, trains don’t discriminate—don’t take a chance and cross the tracks unless you’re positive that a train isn’t coming from either direction.
By following these handy rail safety tips, you’re doing your part to help spread the important message of rail safety. Don’t hesitate—tell your friends how they can also be rail safe near the tracks. You could end up saving their lives.