How to Avoid Getting Hit by a Train (It's More Common Than You Think)

A person is struck by a train every four hours in the United States. Following these rules could mean the difference between life and death. (Photo: iStock)

Railroads have played an important role in American history, bringing growth and prosperity to many areas around the nation.

But recently, train tracks are making headlines for a completely different reason. People are dying on them, and it’s happening more often than you think.

On Monday, a pedestrian was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in the Sodo neighborhood of Seattle.

According to authorities, it appears that the man ignored crossing signals before he was struck by the oncoming train. Local police are investigating the collision.

Sadly, this tragedy wasn’t an isolated event. In fact, this was the 21st fatality on the BNSF tracks in Washington this year alone. Nationally, train track incidents have been popping up all over the news, especially in the past two weeks.

A 46-year-old man also died on Monday morning in Delaware County, Pennsylvania after getting hit by a train. In Council Bluffs, Iowa, a 10-year-old girl is currently in hospital after being hit by a train on Sunday afternoon. According to reports, she attempted to cross the tracks after a train had gone, but was hit by a second train traveling in the same direction.

On Oct. 14, a Branford, Conn. Deputy Fire Chief was killed when he was struck by a train, and here were two separate incidents involving people and trains in the Los Angeles County Inland Empire on Oct. 9 — one of which was fatal.

Related: Is Amtrak Safe to Ride? The Data on Train Accidents

People illegally trespassing on the tracks is an issue with deadly consequences. (Photo: iStock)

The scary truth is that train accidents involving pedestrians or motor vehicles are surprisingly common, with a person getting hit by a train every four hours in the U.S.

According to Operation Lifesaver, there were 2,287 collisions between a person and a train in 2014, including 269 fatalities and 849 injuries. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a motorist is nearly 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision with another car.

But while cars on the tracks is what usually makes headlines, 915 of the 2,287 collisions in 2014 were attributed to pedestrians on the rails. That means 40% of those accidents were due to people illegally trespassing onto the tracks.

Operation Lifesaver, which was implemented by the Federal Railroad Administration, has made it their mission to educate the public on railroad safety. Due to their push for engineering improvements, and support of local law enforcement, the statistics show an 83% decrease in injuries and fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings since the program started in 1972.

Still, just one death a year is one too many, and experts suggest that train deaths are almost entirely preventable through the practice of common sense and following these simple rules, provided by Operation Lifesaver’s Rail Safety Education:

Remember, the train will always win in a collision. (Photo: iStock)

1. Always expect a train at each highway / rail crossing

Freight trains do not travel at fixed times and passenger trains schedules are always changing.

2. Do NOT trespass on the tracks

Not only is it illegal, but it is also highly dangerous to walk on train tracks. By the time a train engineer (driver) sees someone on the tracks, it is usually too late to stop. The average train traveling at 55mph, will take more than a mile to stop completely.

3. A Train has the right of way 100% of the time

Even over emergency vehicles.

Related: No Really - Don’t Touch Me: Confessions of a Train Conductor

4. Only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings

This is the safest way to cross. Even so, be sure to always obey warning signs and signals posted there.

5. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet on both sides

So even if you are walking along the side of the tracks, you may still get hit.

Prevent an accident by only crossing train tracks at designated areas. (Photo: iStock)

6. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes

A second train can come from either direction immediately afterwards. Always wait until the first train is completely gone and you can see clearly before crossing.

7. Observe flashing red lights and lowered barriers

These indicate that a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these warnings.

8. Never attempt to jump on board a moving train

A minor slip could lead to loss of limb or even death.

9. When driving, never race a train to the crossing

Don’t take the unnecessary risk. To lose is to lose your life.

10. Avoid getting stuck on the tracks

Only proceed through a crossing if you are certain you can clear the crossing without stopping. Always use a designated car crossing.

11. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, immediately get out and get away from the tracks

Move in the direction the train is traveling from, as this will avoid you getting hit by flying debris.

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