NEW D2006 VISITOR - DID YOU KNOW - MYTHS AND REALITIES

 

To Prevent Tragedy on the Tracks

Five examples which help clarify the misconceptions and increase public awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railway tracks. Each year, 25 people are injured and nearly 60 killed as a result of dangerous and illegal activities on or near train tracks.

Myth 1: You can accurately judge the distance and speed of an oncoming train.
Reality: It is extremely difficult to determine how far away a train may be or how fast it is travelling especially when viewing a train head on and from a distance.
Myth 2: Railway tracks are public property.
Reality: Train tracks, trestles, tunnels, bridges and railway yards are private property. It is not only dangerous to be there, it is against the law. People found in these places are subject to arrest and fines.

Myth 3: It is easy to tell which track a train is on and which direction it is travelling.
Reality: A train can appear on any track at any time. Modern technology makes it more likely that you might not hear the approach of a train. Stay off railway property.
Myth 4: Railway yards are playgrounds.
Reality: These yards are private property and an active work environment, where trains and individual freight cars can move swiftly. Always assume a standing train in a railyard could move at any time. Playing on top of railcars or climbing between them is deadly. People can be crushed or limbs severed in seconds.

Myth 5: Tossing small objects at a train or placing coins on the track is a tradition, like skipping stones.
Reality: Items of any size thrown at the train or placed on the track can ricochet and injure, even blind, bystanders or train crew.

 

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Direction 2006 Operation Lifesaver The Railway Association of Canada Transport Canada