Rail Safety Virtual Presentations

An infographic that says 'ACT Safely.' The 'A' in act stands for 'Always look and listen for trains. The 'C' stands for cross only at designated railroad crossings. The 'T' stands for 'Take your time - never race the train to the crossing or travel along the tracks.'

Learning how to ACT Safely when traveling near railroad tracks is a skill for life at any age.

Often, young people and adults are not aware of behaviors and laws that keep them safe around railroad tracks. Things like knowing the safe distance from trains, having an awareness of trespassing laws, and even simply understanding railroad crossing signs can keep people of all ages out of harm’s way.

ACT Safely offers many educational resources for students and families.

Our in-class student training offers highly useful information on actions that emphasize safe behaviors around railroad tracks. We also offer downloadable resources for adults that include fact sheets, posters, and flyers. We can also provide safety information at community events. Request a presentation.

 

Why Is Rail Safety Important in Alameda County?

Railroad tracks and crossings create safety concerns for everyone, especially students who may be tempted to walk along railroad tracks or cross unsafely. The extensive railroad network in Alameda County — which goes through the core of many of our communities, including near many schools — is a critical transportation link serving a unique role for both people and our local economy. The numerous places where rail infrastructure and operations are located within communities near critical public facilities such as schools and parks create safety concerns. The number or injuries and deaths related to railroad tracks and crossings is lower when rail safety education is a priority in our community.

A map of schools, hospitals, and parks within a quarter mile of mainline rail in Alameda County.

 

The Need to Address Trespassing

There is a pressing need to address trespassing along railroad right-of-way. In Alameda County, trespass collisions occur more frequently than collisions at railroad crossings and have a high fatality rate. Since 2011, there have been over 30 fatalities due to trespass collisions. The temptation of walking along the many miles of active railroad tracks in the county creates opportunities for unfortunate outcomes. ACT Safely aims to address pedestrian and bicyclist rail safety issues through education and awareness to prepare for future growth in rail activity.

 

A graphic that includes a quote from Union Pacific and says "Not everyone who trespasses on railroad property does so with bad intentions. Perhaps they think it's a faster way to get home from school or a good spot to take photos. Regardless of intent, trespassing isn't just illegal - it's dangerous. It takes a train traveling 55 mph more than a mile to stop. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a person on the tracks, it is too late to stop the train."

 

A Quick Look at the Numbers …

 

 A graphic that says "Alameda County has 248 at-grade crossings open to the public. These locations used by trains, cars, trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians - many of them students - can impact safety and the efficient movement of people and goods.  A graphic that says "Alameda County rail activity is expected to grow over the next 20 years as the Port of Oakland increases its use of the railroads for moving freight."  A graphic that says "Trespass collisions along railroad rights-of-way are a high-priority in Alameda County because of their frequency and high fatality rate. There have been 47 trespassing-related collisions between 2011 and 2017, with 33 fatalities.

 

Click here  for additional information about rail services in Alameda County.