Great Western Railway and Operation Lifesaver Release Top Safety Tips for Railroad Crossings

GREELEY, Colo. – In anticipation of increased foot traffic at railroad crossings during the upcoming Greeley Stampede, Great Western Railway of Colorado, LLC, an affiliate of the Broe Group and OmniTRAX, Inc., has partnered with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. to share the top railroad crossings safety tips.

“Earlier this year, the Great Western reactivated a line that had not been in use since 2008, and we felt it was important to remind the public to watch for trains and to stay safe as they head into the Island Grove Park for the Stampede,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX.  “We are especially grateful to Operation Lifesaver for their help in raising awareness about crossing safety and helping us get the word out about our reactivated line.”

LeeAnn Sterling, the Colorado state representative for Operation Lifesaver, said: “Accidents and injuries at rail crossings are often preventable, and our goal is to make sure people know how to behave when crossing tracks to ensure their own safety.”

The Great Western Railway and Operation Lifesaver are urging extra caution and encouraging pedestrians to follow the safety tips below as they approach tracks on their way into and out of the park.

“The railroad is such a wonderful part of our community and its history, and over the years we have seen lots of fluctuation in train traffic,” said Michelle Kempema, executive director of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum.  “It is important that any time there is a change in activity on a line, especially an increase, that the public be extra vigilant when crossing tracks.”

SAFETY TIPS:

• Freight trains don’t travel at fixed times. Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection.

• The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Never attempt to cross tracks anywhere else.

• Today’s trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale “clackety-clack.” Any approaching train is always closer and moving faster than you think.

• It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees someone on the tracks is likely unable to stop in time.

• Trains overhang the tracks on both sides; loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are within 50 feet of the tracks, the train can hit you.

• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.

• Flashing red lights indicate a train is approaching from either direction. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing, and do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it’s safe to do so.

• Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.

• Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.