Kent Fire Department issues safety tips about trains and pedestrians

All too frequently stories in the paper or on the news are about a pedestrian who has been struck by a train and killed or seriously injured. And then we ask ourselves, how can that happen?

  • BY Wire Service
  • Tuesday, March 25, 2014 7:04pm
  • News
A Sounder train arrives in downtown Kent.

A Sounder train arrives in downtown Kent.

All too frequently stories in the paper or on the news are about a pedestrian who has been struck by a train and killed or seriously injured. And then we ask ourselves, how can that happen?

Across the country the number of pedestrians that are struck by trains annually is very consistent, according to a Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority media release. In 2012, 442 people died after being hit by a train, which was up 7.5 percent over the 411 in 2011. In 2013, it was 448. In fact, more pedestrians are killed by trains than people in vehicles being struck by a train.

So why does it happen? There are a number of reasons why pedestrians are struck by trains. They include:

• Alcohol or other intoxicants – Alcohol dulls the senses, slows reflexes, and affects the decision making process.

• Distractions – Headphones, friends, cell phones, and other distractions can reduce awareness of the danger.

• Suicides – Many of the pedestrian versus train incidents are intentional.

• Playing on trestles – Many trestles span rivers and seem to be fun and safe places for young people.

• Lack of awareness about the danger – Not realizing how close a train is or how fast it is traveling.

• Quieter trains – Modern trains are much quieter than older ones.

• Quieter tracks – Modern track rails are longer, reducing or eliminating the classic “clickity – clack” noise.

In Kent, there has been several instances of people begin struck by trains. At least one recent case was a teen who did not hear the train due to either music or a cellphone. Often these tragedies happen away from established rail crossings. Keep in mind that if you are on any rail lines, you are trespassing on private property.

A diesel electric locomotive can weigh over 150 tons and a fully loaded rail car over 100 tons. A 100 car freight train can therefore weigh over 10,000 tons. It takes more than a mile for a train of this size to come to a complete stop. This means that even if a train engineer sees someone on the tracks, there is very little chance of stopping in time.

The Kent valley has several sets of tracks running through it. These lines carry freight, Amtrak, and Sounder trains – often at high speeds, many times each day.

What can the public do to reduce the number of incidents involving pedestrians and trains? Follow these simple rules:

• Only cross tracks at designated public crossings.

• When crossing tracks, take the time to look both directions first.

• Remember to look carefully and check for a second train before crossing tracks.

• Remember that trains can travel from either direction.

• Never cross or walk on tracks at any time other than at established crossings.

• Keep in mind that trains are much wider than the tracks, so stand well back from moving trains.

• Moving trains create a vortex of wind that can knock a person down or towards the train.

• Never jump from, fish on, or walk on trestles.

• Never attempt to board a moving train.

• Remember that trains always have the right-of-way.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, City of Kent
Kent City Council approves B&O tax increases to hire more police

Additional revenue will pay for four police department positions

t
King County executive will nominate replacements for Upthegrove

District 5, which includes parts of Kent, will get new representative on County Council in January

t
SeaTac man, 21, fatally shot in vehicle in Kent on West Hill

Someone ran up and fired multiple shots into vehicle Nov. 21 at Veterans Drive and Military Road

Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, in Covington, remained without power Thursday morning, Nov. 21, according to Puget Sound Energy. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Kent schools remain closed due to windstorm damage, power outages

Second consecutive day of closures Thursday, Nov. 21 across the Kent School District

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire calls windstorm ‘one for the ages’

Agency responds to 308 calls in 12-hour period, including 245 for storm-related issues

Crews clear trees from State Route 18, which the Washington State Patrol closed in both directions Wednesday, Nov. 20, from Issaquah Hobart to I-90 over Tiger Mountain because of fallen trees during a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Patrol
Windstorm closes Kent schools, roads due to fallen trees

Many without power in areas of Kent and beyond

t
“Prolific” vehicular theft suspect arrested in Renton

Kent man holds 13 prior convictions and 41 arrests.

tt
Green Kent volunteer program wraps up season at city park

Volunteers remove invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park

t
Copper-wire thieves damage Kent Senior Center roof refrigeration unit

Facility temporarily loses commercial kitchen refrigerator but staff, community keep meals going

t
16-year-old girl dies in Covington single-car crash

Teen was driving when car crashed into a tree Nov. 15 along SE 256th Street just east of Kent

t
Kent Police Blotter: Oct. 24-Nov. 7

Incidents include carjacking, juvenile fight, stolen vehicle pursuit