(By Katie Thisdell, Radfor University The Breeze)
Norfolk Southern and ‘Brainy’ Say Think Before Crossing
Automobile and bicycle accidents on campus in the last few years have heightened some students’ awareness of their surroundings.
But near-fatal incidents at other campuses, including in July at Radford University, have one company adding focus to safety pertaining to an often forgotten form of transportation — trains.
According to Norfolk Southern, a railway transportation company, walking along the train tracks could cost someone more than $100 or even his or her life.
The company informed students Wednesday as they walked across the tracks in front of Mr. Chips and by Greek Row.
“Brainy,” the giant pink brain mascot for NS, urged students to use their brains around trains, which can run through campus at any time of the day.
“It’s just been a matter of luck that someone hasn’t been hurt before now,” said Susan Terpay, Norfolk Southern’s director of public relations.
According to Virginia law, it is illegal to walk down the tracks or cross the tracks anywhere that’s not a designated crossing. Norfolk Southern Police will issue warning tickets today on campus and may begin ticketing students soon.
H. T. “Pete” Ramey, special agent for Norfolk Southern Police, said these laws will be enforced more strictly. He explained that these are considered Class 4 misdemeanors, so there could be a $100 fine, plus court costs. Trying to get to class on time by cutting across the tracks could cost a student about $180.
On July 27, a 20-year-old non-student at Radford University was seriously injured after being hit by a train. Investigators said Andrew Willetts might have been trying to crawl through the train. Ramey said that Willets lost a leg.
Terpay explained that the train crews report that they’re terrified as they drive through campuses. With about 75 cars carrying agricultural products such as grain, trains can’t stop for about a mile and a half after they see someone in the way, which is about 18 football fields, according to Terpay.
“You would be sandwiched between two rail cars if you were caught,” Terpay said. “We don’t want anything to happen to anyone.”
What Students Think
“Throw me a brain!” yelled one student as he drove by the corner.
While many students ignored the mascot, some stopped to for a brain-shaped stress reliever and fliers.
Freshmen Kelley Grenn and Erin Maley thought the train mascot standing on the corner was funny.
“I’ve always wanted to see a dancing brain,” joked Maley.
Though they haven’t been on campus long enough to see many trains yet or be delayed on their way to classes, they’ve already noticed the noise.
However, fifth-year senior Anthony Ranghelli said that trains always seem to be there at the most inopportune times, especially when students are running late to class.
“For four years I’ve been racing in front of trains to get to the Quad,” Ranghelli said. He said he’s never gotten too close, and thinks the “Train the Brain” campaign goes a little too far.
“I didn’t think it was an issue,” Ranghelli said. “It’s more of a hassle to get yelled at.”