Increased Train Track Safety Rolling Out on the Central Coast

Operation Lifesaver has increased plans to put out safety warnings in many California communities including here on the Central Coast to keep people from illegally entering train track areas.

Presentations have been made to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Santa Barbara City Council today.

The rail lines here have been the scene of numerous collisions between trains and pedestrians and also trains and vehicles.

Just last week a fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Ventura County on the train tracks.

In some cases, drugs or alcohol are a contributing factor.

Simply not paying attention, while listening to a media device with ear buds can also block out the sound of a train before there’s time to get off the tracks.

State Coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, Nancy Sheehan says they are hoping to have more educational signs at crossing, not only on poles but on the ground where the public may be looking instead of looking down the tracks.

“We have a distracted society so we want them to look up keep eyes up,” said Sheehan.

A local worker agreed.

“People need to pay more attention,” said Kathy Kong.”They just kind of just stand there and I say the trains coming and you have to get out of the way.”

The new slogan being rolled out says “See tracks? Think train.”

The non profit organization also says “Look, Listen, & and Live” on their messages.

Bike rider Chuck Anderson says he never tries to cut through train tracks with the arms down, bells ringing or a train nearby. ” When the bars are down you have to stop, even if you don’t see a train coming.”

He sees violators often. “Especially down here on State Street,” said Anderson.