Every three hours. 8 times daily. What do you think happens at that frequency?
That’s how often a person or a vehicle is hit by a train in the U.S., according to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
And that’s why, sadly enough, our government is compelled to spend $7 million on an ad campaign targeting males ages 18-49 with the hope of convincing them not to take chances when a train is approaching.
“These deaths are preventable, and this ad campaign is a reminder for everyone that ignoring signage at railroad crossings or attempting to race or beat a train can have deadly consequences,” Foxx says.
They’re targeting males in the states where the most dangerous crossings are located. In 2015, a full 75% of crossing accidents occurred in: California, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Mississippi, New Jersey, Arkansas and Arizona.
By law, trains always have the right of way simply because of the laws of physics. They cannot swerve, stop quickly or change directions to avert collisions. A freight train travelling at 55mph takes a mile—the length of 18 football fields—or more to come to a stop, even with the emergency brake applied.
So the ad campaign has a clear, life-saving message: Stop. Trains Can’t. See the full campaign here, and learn more about railroad crossing safety.