Rail Safety Week 2020: NJ Transit highlights safety around grade crossings

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is observing national Rail Safety Week by reminding customers, drivers and pedestrians of the best ways to stay safe near railroad tracks. NJ Transit also is highlighting its various public education initiatives that reinforce safety as NJ Transit’s number one priority. 

“NJ Transit is proud to once again support Rail Safety Week, which each year reminds us of the importance of grade-crossing safety education and awareness, while ensuring the safety of our customers, employees and the residents of the communities we serve remains our highest priority,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. 

“Rail safety week is an opportunity for NJ Transit to highlight and focus the efforts we undertake every day in order to continue to drive our core value of providing a safe and reliable method of transportation for our customers, NJ Transit employees and the communities we operate through,” said NJ Transit Senior Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Brian Lapp.

In conjunction with Rail Safety Week, NJ Transit’s Safety Education Program will be conducting virtual safety presentations to participants of a weeklong virtual LEGO building camp. The afterschool program, hosted by LEGO engineer Corey Samuels, who along with his brother was featured on the FOX television show “LEGO Masters,” will challenge students to build the evolution of railroads and train cars.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NJ Transit has transitioned its Safety Education Program to the virtual world. Schools are encouraged to request the free SAFETY RULES! presentation, now conducted over Zoom, to educate students on the need for safe behavior and caution around trains and light-rail vehicles.

The presentation includes a discussion on the dangers of the railroad tracks, age-appropriate films, including NJ Transit’s award-winning film “Chicken on the Tracks” and a question-and-answer session. The presentation is available for free to public, non-profit and charter schools and community groups.

Important safety practices when near railroad tracks:

• No trespassing

• Stay alert

• Obey signs and signals

• Cross at designated areas only

• Stand behind the safety line on station platforms

On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Safety Education Program will provide transit safety videos for the Kessler Rehabilitation Center virtual walk-a-thon “Stroll ‘N Roll.”  

Throughout the statewide rail system, which includes more than 500 miles of track and 366 public grade crossings, NJ Transit has deployed and maintains various safety mechanisms including right of way fencing, variable message signs, warning signs and bilingual “no trespassing” signs.