By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA –The North County Transit District’s (NCTD) Board of Directors unanimously adopted September as Rail Safety Month to educate the public about dangerous behaviors that lead to tragic and fatal incidents on and around railroad tracks.
California continues to have one of the highest numbers of trespassing and rail-related deaths in the nation. In 2022 alone, there were 256 rail incidents in the state, of which, 97 resulted in injury and 159 were fatal. All of these incidents could have been avoided by following rail safety practices.
“The safety of our riders and the communities we serve is our highest priority and it is our goal to have zero track incidents,” said Jewel Edson, Solana Beach Councilmember and NCTD Board Chair. “We hope that by providing important reminders to our riders and the community, especially during Rail Safety Month, they will remember to always be cautious, alert, and adhere to Rail Rules.”
Throughout September, NCTD will be delivering essential Rail Rules messages through a variety of channels, including social media, videos, and educational materials provided to schools and distributed to agency partners to reach as much of the community as possible. Materials will emphasize the importance of being distraction-free, obeying all safety signals, and avoiding risky behaviors when near railroad tracks.
NCTD in collaboration with California Operation Lifesaver, the Federal Rail Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the passenger and freight railroads are working together to improve railroad safety and to educate the public about the dangers of not obeying the signs and signals around railroad property.
NCTD provides 10.6 million passengers with service each year on its Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze, Flex, and Lift modes of transportation. NCTD shares the use of its 62 miles of track with rail partners Amtrak, Metrolink, BNSF, and Pacific Sun Railroad.
