The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and Operation Lifesaver (OL) have partnered to promote a light rail safety campaign that emphasizes pedestrian and motorist safety around tracks. “See Tracks? Think Train!” will officially launch during a press conference March 18 at 11 a.m. at the Broadway light rail station.
“See Tracks? Think Train!” is a simple message originated by OL, but one that can save lives. It is RT’s goal to eliminate incidents by using education and outreach to remind the public of the proper behavior to stay safe.
The campaign will include the distribution of print materials, presentations to community and neighborhood groups, social media, and special enforcement conducted by RT Police Services at grade crossings and stations throughout the RT system.
Campaign messages will focus on the danger of distractions near tracks and in stations, and the importance of respecting warning signs and signals.
Important safety tips include:
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when near tracks or in stations. Avoid the danger of distraction caused by cell phones, headphones or other electronic devices.
- Look and listen for trains. Light rail trains can travel at any time from either direction and are relatively quiet. After a train has passed, a second train might be traveling from the opposite direction.
- Whether on foot, bike or in a vehicle, it is illegal to go around moving or lowered crossing gates.
The “See Tracks? Think Train!” campaign will focus initially on the south Sacramento area as RT prepares to begin testing trains this spring in anticipation of the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College light rail extension opening in September 2015.
