WPBF: Goal of train safety initiative to save lives

By: Tori Simkovic, WPBF

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida ranks second in the nation for most fatalities involving freight and passenger trains.

This week has been designated Train Safety Awareness Week in hopes of saving lives.

In Florida, 43 people died after trespassing on the tracks and 21 died in collisions while crossing the rails.

Tri-Rail, Brightline and SunRail partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure the public is informed about railway safety guidelines.

-Only cross the tracks at designated crossings.

-Don’t drive around lowered gates.

-If your car gets stuck on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and run to avoid debris.

-Never try to outrun a train.

“Trains are faster than you are, I promise you,” said Bonnie Arnold, public information officer for Tri-Rail. “It takes us maybe 45 seconds to go through a crossing. Is your life worth 45 seconds?”

As part of Train Safety Awareness Week, there will be signs put up near several crossings for the 211 suicide prevention helpline. Seventy percent of Tri-Rail’s fatalities last year were ruled suicides…