Back to school rail safety

To the editor:

Alaska Operation Lifesaver, a rail safety education organization, would like to remind the public that as our children return to school, any time is train time.

Please remember, at railroad crossings trains have the right of way. When transporting your children to and from school, obey the crossing signals, do not stop on the tracks, make certain your vehicle is completely clear of the tracks and don’t try to beat the train at a crossing; the train will win every time.

Parents, please caution your children to be safe when crossing the tracks while walking to and from school. Stand clear of the tracks when trains are passing and wait for the lights and bells to stop before crossing. Look both ways, just like crossing a street, before you cross. Remember these saying:

• Look, listen, live.

• When walking to and from school, stay off of the tracks and the railroad right of way.

• Tracks are for trains, not for kids!

• Stay off, stay away, stay alive.

Alaska Operation Lifesaver is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about rail safety. Alaska Operation Lifesaver gives free educational presentations to schools and community organizations to heighten public awareness around railroads. Our message is for everybody!

To schedule a presentation, you can contact the Alaska state coordinator, Dwight West, at WestD@akrr.com or visit oli.org and follow the “request a presentation” link.

Dwight West

Safety and Training Manager

Alaska Railroad

Maintenance of Way