September is Rail Safety Month

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LOS ANGELES - This September, Councilmember Krekorian joins Metrolink in kicking-off Rail Safety Month, a month-long campaign to promote rail safety awareness and how to make your transit experience safe and efficient.

Railroad safety is important for everyone. Whether you're a passenger, driver or pedestrian, here are some helpful tips to avoid hazards when near a railroad crossing:
  • Look both ways and listen before crossing the tracks. Expect a train at any time and from either direction.
  • Avoid dangerous distractions such as texting, loud music or headphones that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
  • Never run on or toward the station platform and always stay behind the line at train stations. Enter or exit a station platform at designated areas.
  • Train tracks, bridges and yards are private property. Never walk, bike, skateboard or run on or along the tracks; it's illegal and dangerous. Cross only at designated rail crossings.
  • Don't ever try to "beat" a train. An approaching train is closer and moving faster than you think. Wait until the gates are up and lights have stopped flashing, they may be down for a train approaching in the other direction.
  • See something? Say something. Report suspicious packages, activities, and/or persons by calling 911, or 800-371-5465
  • Do not walk on or near rails or climb on railroad cars.
  • Do not get trapped on a railroad crossing. Never drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure you can clear the tracks. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out of the vehicle and off the tracks immediately.
  • When crossing the railroad tracks on foot, always cross the railroad crossing and obey all signs and signals.
For more information about how you can stay safe, visit www.metrolinktrains.com/howtoride/page/title/safety.