Do you live on the ‘wrong side of the tracks?’ 🙂
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KPBS reports, “There’s a new hazard involved in crossing the railroad tracks in San Diego’s North County coastal communities and it’s not just the possibility of being hit by a train.
Now, surfers, joggers and beach-goers who walk across the railroad tracks are at risk of being fined up to $500.
The North County Transit District started stepping up enforcement of railroad trespassers on Aug. 1 due to safety concerns.
NCTD decided to begin cracking down because of an increase in the number of times trains have had to make emergency stops because someone was on the tracks, said Jaime Becerra, NCTD’s chief of transit enforcement. He said on average, there are three emergency stops a day.”
The (Under) Bridges of San Diego County
Here is an underpass SANDAG is constructing the first of four pedestrian rail safety crossings in Encinitas. The Santa Fe crossing will create a new rail bridge and pedestrian undercrossing beneath the tracks between Highway 101 and Vulcan Avenue, west of Santa Fe Drive. As part of the project, a new crosswalk and traffic signal on Highway 101 will be installed to increase pedestrian safety. This time-lapse video shows the construction site as the crews install the bridge – from excavation to laying the tracks – in just 51 hours.
Pedestrian railroad track crossing safety tips from Operation Lifesaver:
- The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined. Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine. If you are in a rail yard uninvited by a railroad official you are trespassing and subject to criminal prosecution; you could be injured or killed in a busy rail yard.
- It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time. Railroad property is private property. For your safety, it is illegal to be there unless you are at a designated public crossing.
- Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions; loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train.
- 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. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. 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 hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges! Never walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels.
- Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.
- Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any Time is Train Time!
If you want to be scared about railroad crossings…