Wisconsin Rail Safety Week Sept. 24 – 30
Governor Scott Walker has declared September 24 – 30 as Rail Safety Week in Wisconsin. According to the DOT, the number of crashes at railroad crossings was up from 2015. In 2016, two people were killed and 15 people were injured as a result of 46 railroad crossing crashes. Additionally, 1 person died and three people were injured while trespassing on railroad tracks. The DOT is joining with the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver, Federal Railroad Administration and the railroads to increase the awareness of the importance of safe practices at railroad crossings and around tracks. There will be rail safety events throughout the state, including at Warren’s Cranfest this weekend.
This weekend’s events:
| Friday – Sunday
Sept. 22 – 24 |
Booth Friday – Sunday
Parade – Sunday 2 p.m. |
Warrens | Cranberry Fest Booth and Parade |
Mike Marcks
Union Pacific Railroad Police (715-450-6807) Gary Koerner* Tammy Wagner* Susie Klinger*
|
UP Crash Car will be parked at north end of Main Street near Grant Street
UP Crash Car & See Tracks-Think Train Mascot |
| Saturday, Sept. 23 | AM | Barron | Canadian National (CN) Crossing Enforcement Blitz | Dave Knuth
(920) 929-6018 Russ Kollmansberger (312-877-1300) Susie Klinger* |
Please phone staff listed for exact location and time |
| Sunday, Sept. 24 | Noon to
5 p.m |
Eau Claire | Chippewa Valley Railroad | Paul & Margarette Alquist (715-559-6552) Chuck & Georgene Lindvig |
Media welcome |
The DOT also has a list of safety tips:
- Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there. The only safe place for pedestrians and vehicles to cross a railroad track is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck (X-shaped warning sign), flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.
- Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection. Freight trains don’t travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains change.
- All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it is illegal to trespass and highly dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks it’s too late. It can take a mile or more to stop a train.
- 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.
- Trains can move in either direction at any time. Sometimes their cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
- Today’s trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale “clackety-clack.” Any approaching train is always closer, moving faster, than you think.
- Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.
Source: WRJC.com
News At Other State Sites:
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