State Transportation Officials Urge Safety Around Railroads
RALEIGH N.C. (NCDOT)– The N.C. Department of Transportation is reminding people to stay off railroad tracks after multiple incidents involving a train and either a vehicle or pedestrian. Already this year there have been 51 incidents with vehicles and pedestrians on railroad tracks in North Carolina; 10 people have died.
“That’s why we’re always reminding people to be very careful around railroad tracks,” said Jason Orthner, director for NCDOT’s Rail Division. “Railroads are only meant for trains. Drivers should obey traffic laws and never stop on the tracks. Also, people should never walk, jog or take pictures on railroad tracks. Doing so is extremely dangerous.”
Staff in NCDOT’s Rail Division also urge people to follow these tips:
If there is an emergency at a railroad crossing,...