Train Safety

SMART plans to commence passenger rail service in 2016 and the time to ready you and your family for the train is now. As safety is always our first priority, we would like to provide a reminder that this is an ACTIVE RAILROAD and that entering a railroad right-of-way is trespassing. The railroad tracks carry trains, construction equipment and maintenance equipment. ANY TIME IS TRAIN TIME. It is important that you and your family’s activities are conducted in a safe manner. Please remember:

• It is both dangerous and illegal to enter the railroad right-of-way without permission of the railroad.
• Trains cannot stop quickly -- a train traveling at 55 mph takes about a mile to stop. By the time a train operator sees you, it is too late to stop the train in time.
• An oncoming train is moving faster and is closer to you than it appears. Similar to an airplane traveling at 150 mph that appears to float onto the runway, it’s hard to determine a train’s speed and distance from you.
• Trespass is the leading cause of fatalities on railroad tracks, both nationally and in California.

Never stand on or near the tracks. In addition to being extremely dangerous, it is illegal to trespass, and you will be subject to citation and fines. If you are standing on or near tracks, you may not see, hear or feel the vibration of an approaching train. Trains are faster, quieter and larger than you think so you cannot always trust your eyes and ears. This is why it is important to only cross at the designated railroad crossing where you see the crossbuck sign, lights and gates which will activate to warn you when the train is coming.

Rail safety education is for everyone. Start the conversation now to Build Rail Safe Communities. Visit SMART's Rail Safety Website BeTrackSMART.org where you can earn your Track SMART Certificate by taking the rail safety quiz in English or Spanish, download resources for all modes of travel, and request a free rail safety presentation to your business, classroom or community group.

For a quick dose of rail safety, take the child safety quiz . It's great for kids of all ages!