In 2013, 1,193 people were seriously hurt or died at highway-rail grade crossings and 908 others were hurt or killed as a result of trespassing on railroad property.
Two national organizations are saying people really need to learn how to be safe around railroad tracks.
The Keystone Whistle-Stop Safety Train invited passengers aboard its cars as it promotes safety through the education campaign “See Tracks? Think Train!” Norfolk Southern and railroad safety organization Operation Lifesaver are taking the train on a 4-day tour through Delaware and P.A. — making 10 different stops.
On Wednesday, the train made a morning trip to Harrisburg and an afternoon trip to Lewistown, Mifflin County.
Their goal– to cut down incidents by showing what can put people at risk.
“These trains weigh several thousand tons, they can move up to 60 miles an hour, and when you have a train moving at the velocity, with that much weight behind it, it’s a dangerous situation to put your safety and your life at risk. Train tracks are not a good place to play, walk, or take photographs,” Norfolk Southern Public Relations Manager Dave Pidgeon said.
Passengers on the train included railroaders, operation lifesaver representatives, and public safety advocates.
The train’s tour will continue its campaign going nationwide through several other major cities in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri later this summer.