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When planning a trip, many people will choose train as their transportation method for the reasonable price and the beautiful scenery.
I. Railroad security facts
It is common sense that traveling by air is safer than traveling by train. The main reason is that governments always offer a very low fund to the railroads. According to the news, in 2004, $4.5 billion have been funded by US government on the airline safety, while only $65 million on rail security. But actually there are more people taking train than plane. Nowadays, railway grade crossing safety has become a critical safety issue in many countries. Ignorance to warning signals at railway station may cost people their lives.
Rail security contains two parts - passenger rail security and freight rail security. Passenger rail often places in big cities with large population. It usually has many stops. Freight rail, on the other hand, usually doesn't pass through areas of dense population. But it sometimes transports dangerous materials. So it is not unusual to find reports on freight rail accidents that have caused serious damage.
Even though crossing railway is very dangerous, there are still many people risking their lives. According to some report in 2006, 28 people were badly injured when they crossed the railway.
Trains are heavy and have lots of carriages, so they can't stop immediately even if they're traveling at a low speed. They need a relatively longer time to completely stop. For instance, if the train travels at a normal speed, it will slide almost 1 mile until it stops. So when you are standing on the railway and seeing a train coming, it is almost impossible for you to escape from the railway immediately.
II. Railroad security awareness
At some often traveled railways there are many symbols, like lights and bells. We must take all the warning signs seriously and obey all the railroad rules. Here are some tips for you to follow:
For passengers
For the sake of safety, you can only cross tracks at the designated pedestrian or railway crossings. If you are waiting at a multiple-track crossing, you need to look out for both directions. It is very dangerous to hop aboard railway equipment. If you carelessly slipped, you might lose a limb, or even your life. Do not walk or play on railway tracks, trestles and other equipments that are private property. If the situation is serious, the penalty will be very harsh (you may be arrested and fined). On the other hand, do not trespass on railway property. There are many cases in which people paid their lives by doing so.
Remember trains can not stop immediately as you do. So never try to catch a train over the crossing. Before crossing, you'd better check out the signals and traffic lights to make sure the railway line is clear. If you're on a motorcycle or bike, make sure to cross any other tracks at a 90 degree angle. Besides, many vehicles need to stop at all rails crossing according to traffic regulations in many countries.
All in all, you do not have another chance to lose your life in a traffic accident. Slow down, be ready to stop, and do not take any risks!
