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Rail Documentary Made by CONNOR MEDIA

Brightline, a somewhat new American high-speed rail system, has been in the news quite a bit recently due to accidents at grade crossings. Brightline has taken into account the many injuries and fatalities and they are working on improving safety at the crossings. There are several ways these accidents happen; here are a few of them:

• not paying attention to flashing lights, bells, and train horns.

• driving around the crossing gates.

• seeing the warning signs, but crossing the tracks anyways.

• car or truck getting stuck on the tracks.

These accidents can be prevented if everyone payed attention to the warnings. Brightline has stated that they will be improving the safety precautions at grade crossings. These precautions include:

• adding crossing gates to sidewalks that cross the tracks.

• adding another set of crossbucks, crossing gates, and lights to grade crossings that don't already block both sides of the road.

• continuing promotion of Operation Lifesaver.

Brightline is taking those steps to ensure safety, but you can take some precautions, too. Here's what you can do and look out for when you are around railroad/grade crossings:

• "LOOK:

  • cross only where you can see a designated crossings.

  • always look both directions before crossing the railroad tracks."

  • find the blue sign on the crossing for emergency services and railroad contact info.

• "LISTEN:

  • trains are quiet, so be alert.

  • don't wear headphones or earbuds around the tracks.

  • there might not always be a train horn at every crossing.

• LIVE:

  • never cross the track when you see a moving train.

  • never trespass on train tracks - it's against the law.

  • never try to chase or outrun a train.

  • never walk or bike along train tracks."

For more from Brightline safety use this link: https://www.gobrightline.com/railroad-construction/safety-fact-sheet