Drivers who travel Liberty Drive may have noticed a car in the vehicle resale lot that looks like a crushed soda can.
After a train hits a perfectly good car, it is little better than an old soda can. Union Pacific Railroad purchased the car, hit by a train near Fort Worth, Texas, and it serves as a visual reminder that trains are in fact bigger than cars. Laughlin is scheduled to display the train-crushed car until mid-May to promote railroad crossing safety awareness.
Alexander Valdez, 47th Flying Training Wing occupational safety specialist, emphasized how imperative it is for people not to race trains, especially at Laughlin, since both leaving and arriving on base involve crossing the railroad.
“Traveling to and from base is especially risky since you have to cross a train track to get on or off base,” Valdez. “When you see those bars lowering and the lights flashing, do not try to cross the tracks. Even if you’re running late don’t try to beat the train.”
Valdez also foot-stomped the importance of leaving space for a train to pass.
“When the traffic is heavy, cars line up bumper to bumper and it’s so important not to be caught on the track ever,” Valdez said. “Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the track.”
According to Valdez, most train accidents occur when people are trying to beat the train to the crossing. It can take the average freight train more than a mile to stop. If the train can see trouble ahead, it is probably too late for it to stop in time.
According to Union Pacific and Today.com, these are some railroad safety tips to keep in mind:
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Do not stop on railroad tracks ever
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Trains can come from either direction at any time
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When gates are down and lights are flashing, a train is coming, even if you don’t see it.
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If your vehicle breaks down on the track, look for a blue sign and call the phone number near the crossing to report your location.
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If your vehicle breaks down on a railroad, and a train is approaching, exit the vehicle and run in the direction of the oncoming train and away from the tracks to avoid being hit by debris.
For more information on railroad safety, visit UPcares.com. To report emergencies, call Union Pacific police at (888) 877-7267.