Headphones, Pedestrians and Railroad Tracks Don't Mix
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This is a very sad story to report out of Auburndale, Florida.
An 18-year-old high school student was walking along Amtrak train tracks wearing headphones and apparently didn’t hear an approaching train traveling from Miami to New York.
The conductor says he tried to alert Robert Lopez with no response. When the train got within 20 feet of Lopez, he tried to jump off the track, but it was too late. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Our condolences go out to his family for this very tragic and avoidable accident.
This is not an isolated incident.
Just last week, a 24-year-old man was struck and killed by a train in Litchfield, Minnesota. His headphones and music player were found at the scene.
In February, a 17-year-old teen was hit and killed by an Amtrak train near his Comstock Township home in Michigan. He was crossing the tracks diagonally with his back to the eastbound train and was also wearing headphones.
No matter where you are or what your are doing, it is illegal to trespass on a railroad right-of-way outside of the designated crossing areas.
In 2008, there were 2,395 grade crossing incidents nationwide.
In Florida, there were 26 pedestrian rail trespass deaths in 2008, one of the highest in the nation.
The Florida chapter of the nonprofit rail safety group, Operation Lifesaver has launched our state's public awareness campaign to bring a “Common Sense” message to the public and reduce the number of pedestrians fatalities at rail tracks. Whether texting, talking on the phone or wearing headphones, the best advice is stay away from tracks- its just common sense.
In order to attract attention of the 18-34 age range, most likely to be killed on the tracks, the campaign includes an interactive Web site, videos and internet ads. See: www.CommonSenseUseIt.com
Other than a public crossing area- if you use the tracks to fish, take an ATV, or walk, you are trespassing.
If you need to cross the track – do so only at public crossing designated areas. Look for the crossbuck sign. Forget the cellphones and headphones when you are near the train tracks.
Modern trains are quieter than they used to be. Be sure to look both ways before crossing. You can expect a train at any time. There is no way you will be able to outrun it. #