GREENSBORO – BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail division’s railroad safety education and outreach unit, partnered with the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum and the Greensboro Police Department to teach kids about railroad track safety recently.
“We appreciate the chance to partner with organizations to help spread our safety education to as many people as possible, especially children,” says Ain Flowers, NCDOT’s BeRailSafe program coordinator. “As we teach kids about the dangers of crossing the street, we need to teach them as early as possible it’s also dangerous to walk or play on or cross railroad tracks. Our No. 1 goal is to save lives.”
Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum hosted BeRailSafe staff during a planned field trip last week for readings of NCDOT’s Tracks Are for Trains book to educate Guilford County school children and parents about the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks. Additionally, police officers were present with ATV equipment they use to monitor and enforce trespassing activity for children to touch and examine.
“Greensboro had problems with casualties due to trespassing, but since the police started their education and patrolling program in 2017 there has been no deaths, so the programs are working,” said Marikay Abuzuaiter, Greensboro City Council At-Large member, who came to read the book and participate in the safety education activities.
Detective Corporal Deon Carter with the Greensboro police department added, “We also work with businesses along the tracks to make sure fencing is installed and they are aware of trespass behaviors to reduce risk.”
The BeRailSafe program provides free rail safety training local to police, fire and 911 dispatchers across the state, as well as to town and city planning and administration departments. Staff with the outreach program also promote rail safety statewide at festivals and events.
To prevent tragedies, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips:
- Only cross railroad tracks at public crossings designated with either flashing red lights, a gate or a rail crossing sign.
- All railroad tracks are private property so people should never walk or bike on or near tracks. Trespassers can be arrested or fined – this includes walking or taking photos on the tracks.
- Tracks are not a shortcut. Never walk or bike on or near railroad tracks.
- Don’t drive around lowered gates at railroad crossings.
- Never stop a car on the railroad tracks. If stopping for a train at a traffic signal, be sure to stop safely behind the white line.
- If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out and call the number on the blue and white sign posted on the crossing gate.
- It is important for parents to educate their kids to not walk, play or be on railroad tracks for any reason. It is illegal and dangerous.
Those interested in requesting a presentation from BeRailSafe can reach out to the program through their contact page.