Train engineer: Your shortcut on the tracks will haunt me forever

“Everybody involved in a railway accident—it leaves a mark on your life. From the operating crew to the first responders.” —Tom Bozyk, locomotive engineer

Tom Bozyk is a locomotive engineer, and has been working in the railway industry for 25 years. In that time he’s encountered countless near misses – people trespassing on the tracks; drivers racing the train at a level crossing; impatient commuters driving around the gates. Every single one has had a lasting impact on him. Just imagine: seeing someone on the tracks ahead of you and knowing that you can’t swerve the train and you can’t stop in time. [caption id="attachment_9374" align="alignright" width="225"] Tom Bozyk, locomotive engineer[/caption] Terrifying. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Instead, listen to the following clips as Tom describes, in his own words, what it’s like to be the driver of the train when an incident happens.

What does it feel like to be involved in an incident?

https://soundcloud.com/oplifesaver/ol-interview-tom-q3

What happens in the aftermath of an incident?

https://soundcloud.com/oplifesaver/ol-interview-tom-q4

Tell us more about the incidents you’ve encountered. What lasting impact have they had on you?

https://soundcloud.com/oplifesaver/ol-interview-tom-q5

What do you want Canadians to think about when they encounter train tracks? What do you hope they take away from this interview?

https://soundcloud.com/oplifesaver/ol-interview-tom-q6

“We’re out there trying to do our job and we’re kind of the forgotten victims in an accident. We have to live with the imagery; the sounds – those things never leave you. I can still play back my last collision with a vehicle in my head, like it happened yesterday.” — Tom Bozyk, locomotive engineer.