Trains have killed 11 people to date in Minnesota this year, compared to only 5 last year. Two train-related deaths have been in the news in the past week. In one case, a man tripped and fell on the tracks shortly before sunrise, and in the other a 24 year old was walking on tracks listening to music with headphones. There were also two fatalities on the Minneapolis light rail tracks in August.
What is going on? There are several possibilities. First, more railways are being built, including light rail systems. More importantly, people are not paying attention. Smart phones and music players are big offenders. Pedestrians also fail to appreciate that a train, even a light rail train, is not a car. Being much heavier, they cannot stop in the same distance a car can.
How can you stay safe near trains? Remember these tips:
- Walking or operating any kind of vehicle (including ATVs and snowmobiles) on train tracks is trespassing
- Before crossing multiple sets of tracks, check all directions on all rails
- Don’t leave anything on the tracks. This can cause train derailment
- Stay well away from tracks. Train cars extend 3 to 4 feet out from them
Sources: Minnesota Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (http://bit.ly/24tup2)
St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/39WOqd)
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