OCTA Marks Rail Safety Month Reminding People to Always Keep Clear and Stay Safe Near Tracks

September is Rail Safety Month and OCTA is joining with rail partners to host a safety event at the Santa Ana station on Sept. 18

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with CA Operation Lifesaver, Metrolink, Amtrak and local law enforcement, is marking Rail Safety Month this September with a series of outreach efforts designed to keep people safe around railroad tracks.

A highlight of the campaign will be a special safety outreach event in Santa Ana, where OCTA staff and safety partners will distribute educational materials and talk directly with passengers about how to prevent rail-related tragedies.

The rail safety event is planned for:

• 7 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18
• Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana
• Grab safety giveaways, snacks for the commute, and spin the prize wheel. Also, enter for a chance to win free Metrolink tickets.

California leads the nation in rail-related fatalities, with incidents caused both by trespassing on tracks and collisions at grade crossings. Safety leaders say these deaths and injuries are preventable through a combination of public awareness, enforcement and infrastructure improvements.

"This month, we are highlighting our commitment to rail safety, and we want every rider, driver, bicyclist and pedestrian to remember that staying safe near the tracks can save lives," said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also the county's Fourth District Supervisor. "Rail safety is everyone's responsibility. Through education, outreach and strong partnerships, we continue to make safety our top priority."

Throughout Rail Safety Month, OCTA is sharing key safety reminders:

• Always look both ways and obey signals before crossing tracks.
• Never walk under or around lowered crossing gates.
• Avoid distractions such as headphones and mobile devices near tracks.
• Remember that trains are faster and closer than they appear and cannot stop quickly.

OCTA's rail safety commitment extends beyond education with a long-term, ongoing commitment to infrastructure projects that enhance safety, with enhancements to railroad crossings and grade separations that allow cars, cyclists and pedestrians to cross above or below railroad tracks.

In addition to the pop-up event, OCTA's Rail Safety Month activities include distribution of educational materials in schools and community centers, digital campaigns, and partnerships with cities and law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement and visibility at crossings.

For more information on rail safety and upcoming events, visit https://www.octa.net/railsafety.

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