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Train Safety for Cesar Chavez Families

Cesar Chavez Families,

Given the fact that our school is located very close to railroad tracks, we wanted to remind you of a few important safety practices when walking or driving across the railroad crossing. Every 3 hours, a person is hit by a train in the U.S. A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes one mile to stop, so trains cannot stop abruptly to avoid a crash or accident. Impatient and risky behaviors are the top causes for railroad crossing crashes. 

To help us keep our students and families safe, please read these safety tips carefully and talk to your students about railroad crossing safety.  

  • Be alert, stay aware. Headphones and texting impair your ability to see or hear a train.

  • Never stop on tracks. Trains can come from either direction at any time. Stop, look and listen when approaching a railroad crossing.

  • When the gates are down, don't go around the tracks. When gates are down or lights are flashing, a train is coming. Trying to drive around the gates or speed across a railroad crossing is dangerous and can be deadly.

  • Stop and wait behind the stop bar. Trains can't stop, but you can. 

  • Stand back at a safe distance. Going around gates, stopping on tracks or standing too close to the train tracks puts you in danger. 

  • Only cross at the designated crossing area. Only proceed when gates, bells and lights are deactivated and you see a green light or walk signal. Look both ways and cross the tracks quickly.

  • If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out immediately. Move away from the tracks to avoid being injured by debris from the train hitting your car.

  • Turn back, don't walk on the track. Walking on railroads is illegal, dangerous and can be deadly

Here is a short video that summarizes these train safety tips. https://youtu.be/XvBhfOkwk_I 

Implementing these safety practices will ensure that families and students are safe at and around railroad tracks. If you have any questions, please contact our school at (405) 587-9800. 

Thank you for your continued support of Cesar Chavez Elementary.