UP - Union Pacific Corporation
09/17/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2025 16:25
Railroader’s Social Media Safety Tip Delivers Real-World Impact
- Union Pacific News
- Safety
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September 17, 2025
Railroader's Social Media Safety Tip Delivers Real-World Impact
What started as a simple social media post by Union Pacific Machine Operator Cristobal Martinez in Truckee, California, turned into a life-saving moment hundreds of miles away - reinforcing safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a part.
Blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at every highway-rail crossing provide a direct line to the railroad's emergency dispatch center - just call the number and give the unique crossing ID to pinpoint the location.
Martinez shared a safety tip that's second nature to railroaders but potentially lifesaving for the public: if your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, exit the vehicle, and call 9-1-1 and the number on the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign that's posted at every highway-rail crossing.
That advice stuck with a friend he went to high school with who saw the tip while looking at her social media feed. She knew exactly what to do when she saw a confused motorist who drove onto the tracks in Verdi, Nevada. Her quick action encouraged the motorist to exit the vehicle safely and call for help.
"I never imagined a social media post promoting rail safety could have that kind of impact," said Martinez, who has 10 years of injury-free service under his belt.
He credits his friend for having the presence of mind to act with urgency. Her quick thinking led Union Pacific to stop a train that had just left Sparks, Nevada, on its way to Verdi.
Cristobal Martinez, machine operator, Engineering, displays his Courage to Care badge and safety vest patch acknowledging 10 years of injury-free service.
Union Pacific works with communities to enhance rail safety and prevent incidents through education, training, outreach and emergency preparedness - educating thousands annually in partnership with Operation Lifesaver and TRANSCAER.
UP - Union Pacific Corporation published this content on September 17, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 17, 2025 at 22:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]