Depot workers warn about rail safety

With the end of spring comes prom, senior portraits, and summer wedding and engagement photographs. The volunteers at the Robert Willaford Train Museum in Historic Downtown Plant City are cautioning those who are scouting train tracks as a photoshoot location to change their minds in the name of rail safety.

The train tracks that snake downtown are the private property of CSX Railroad. Anyone playing, walking or taking photographs on the tracks is considered to be trespassing.

CSX has a “Play It Safe” initiative with tips for staying safe around the rails.

1. Always look out for warning signs and signals.
2. Always assume there is a train coming. Always look both ways before crossing. Trains can run on any track at any time.
3. Don’t get stopped on the tracks. Before you cross, make sure there is enough room for your vehicle on the other side. You should leave at least 15 feet between the end of your vehicle and the tracks.
4. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out immediately. Also, make sure you are far away from the tracks even if you don’t see a train. Call the emergency notification number posted on or near the crossing or local law enforcement.
5. Trains cannot stop quickly. The average freight train traveling 55 miles per hour takes a mile or more to stop.
6. Watch for vehicles that must come to a full stop at railroad crossings. These vehicles can include school buses, commercial buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials. (State laws vary.)
7. Never try to beat a train across the tracks. There is no reason to risk your life for a few extra minutes.
8. Please report any and all problems.

For some neat videos on rail safety visit CSX Beyond Our Rails Youth Safety Outreach website.