Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Marks Rail Safety Month in September with Efforts to Increase Awareness Online

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Aug 31, 2021, 14:00 ET

ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Rail Safety Month and Rail Safety Week in September, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service, is elevating educational resources and tools that can help individuals stay safe around railroad tracks.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Marks Rail Safety Month in September with Efforts to Increase Awareness Online

Digital tools are available on the Pacific Surfliner website including activities for kids, lesson plans for teachers and parents, and downloadable presentations developed by Operation Lifesaver and California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL), two non-profit entities that work year-round to promote rail safety. CAOL will also host the second annual social media rail safety awareness campaign called Rail Safety Partners – Raising Awareness to Save Lives. Followers across all channels can join in taking "the pledge" to make safe decisions near trains and railroad tracks and share the message using the hashtag: #SaveLivesTell5.

"Rail Safety Month is a great time for all of us to come together and highlight the importance of being vigilant around the railroad tracks," said Donna DeMartino, Managing Director of the LOSSAN Agency. "It is our honor to support this initiative and help educate the public. We cannot stress enough that walking, jogging, and taking pictures on or near the tracks is not only illegal, but also very dangerous."

September is Rail Safety Month in California, and September 20 – 26 is Rail Safety Week across the nation. California leads the nation in annual fatalities due to highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents, according to CAOL and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Most incidents are preventable by following simple safety rules, including:

Never walk on or along train tracks; it's illegal trespassing and highly dangerous.
Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.
Stay alert around railroad tracks. Don't use your phone, wear headphones or let other things distract you and possibly prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
Report suspicious items, persons, or activity immediately to the Amtrak Police Department uniformed officers, calling (800) 331-0008, sending a text to APD11 (27311), or by calling 911.

"California Operation Lifesaver is dedicated to raising awareness during Rail Safety Month and all year long. We greatly appreciate our partnership with Pacific Surfliner and our mutual commitment to saving lives with rail safety education. We ask Californians to make safe decisions near tracks and trains and ask them to share rail safety messages with their family and friends." emphasized Executive Director of California Operation Lifesaver, Nancy Sheehan.

The Pacific Surfliner encourages passengers to follow safety measures and important public health orders in place during their trip and at their destination. This includes wearing a mask at stations and onboard trains at all times, washing hands or using sanitizer often, and staying home if they are feeling sick. Visit Pacific Surfliner's website for additional information.

SOURCE Amtrak Pacific Surfliner