SAN DIEGO–A record-breaking 116 million Americans will be packing their bags for a getaway this holiday season.
With so many people rushing to their destinations, Sheriff’s Deputies are working to keep the public safe including the railways.
Here are some safety tips:
- Look Twice – look both ways and listen before crossing the tracks. Expect a train any time from either direction.
- Heads Up – Avoid dangerous distractions such as texting, loud music or head phones that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
- Stand Back – Always stay behind the yellow lines at train stations. Hold hands with smaller children.
- Stay off the Tracks – Train tracks, bridges and yards are private property. Never walk, bike, skateboard or run on or along the tracks. It’s illegal and dangerous. Cross only on designated rail crossings.
- Just Wait – Never, ever try to beat a train. Even in a full emergency, it can take a train a mile or more to stop. This means if the engineer can see you, it’s already too late to stop for you.
- See Something, Say Something – Report suspicious activities and/or people.
- Keep valuables with you. – Don’t leave luggage unattended and don’t agree to watch someone else’s bag.
If you see someone who appears to be in distress, approach them and start a conversation if it seems safe to do so. Showing compassion can help a person in crisis. This may be the holiday season, but it can also be a time when many people feel isolated and alone. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you need to talk to someone, the county’s crisis line is available 24 hours per day. Just call (888) 724-7240 or visit up2sd.org.
