(The following story by Nicole Printz appeared on the Abilene Recorder Chronicle website on June 2, 2009. T.A. LaCombe is a member of BLET Division 261 in Herington, Kan.)
ABILENE, Texas — When people think of train collisions, they generally think of train crossings.
Thomas LaCombe, Union Pacific train engineer and a presenter for Operation Lifesaver, is raising awareness about trespassing incidents. Operation Lifesaver had a car crushed in a train collision and displays at Flour Power Family Fun Fest this past weekend. LaCombe stressed the importance of railroad safety in Abilene.
“There are two major railroad companies that run though Abilene,” he said.
The multiple tracks through Abilene increase the risk for train collisions, either at crossings or trespassing incidents.
“Railroads are private property,” he said. “Almost everyone crosses railways at some point. There were 2,000 people killed on the rail right of ways last year.”
In Kansas last year nine people were injured and four people killed on railroad property, according to the Federal Railroad Association.
LaCombe explained that many people do not think that fishing on a railroad bridge or walking on tracks is trespassing.
The only legal place to cross a railroad track is at designated public crossings.
Children are often fascinated with trains and will cross underneath stopped trains.
LaCombe was starting a train and noticed movement in the rearview mirrors. There were three children playing underneath the cars. If he hadn’t noticed them, the children probably would have been severely injured or killed.
“Don’t set things on the track. A railroad spike set on the track can derail a train,” LaCombe said. “If the train is carrying federal property and is derailed it becomes a federal incident.”
Coins placed on the tracks can be flung with great speed when run over, potentially injuring someone.
Drivers make poor decisions that lead to accidents as well.
“The railroads have their own police,” he explained. “If I see someone go around the gates I am required to report that.”
Going around crossing gates is illegal, and you can be ticketed even if the gates have been down for several days. If gates are down for no apparent reason, look on the crossbuck or near the crossing for the toll free number posted near every crossing.
Trains can crush cars as easily as a car can crush a pop can.
“If your car dies on the tracks, walk toward the direction the train is coming from.” LaCombe said. “If you walk the other way, the train could knock your car into you.”
“There are no accidents with trains,” executive director Darlene Osterhaus said. “The train doesn’t come off the tracks and hunt you down.”
LaCombe is available for free presentations for children and adults interested in learning more about train safety. Visit www.oli.org or call 1-800-537-6224 to schedule a presentation.