It pains him too much, because it’s here that some of the real-life stories of track disasters are recorded and remembered. Terrence’s humorous passions and our greatest efforts cannot bring back those who have already been lost to tragedy. But we can remember them and try our best to make sure that stories and stats like these become less a part of our future.
RECENT TRAGEDY
March 16, 2006
Deaf beauty contest winner Tara McAvoy was walking along the railroad tracks, text-messaging
family and friends, when a train struck her and killed her. As always, our thoughts are with
the family, and our responsibility to educate grows.
It takes a train nearly 18 football fields to stop, so in almost all cases, an engineer will not be able to stop, even if he does see a potential victim on the tracks.
It’s a common misconception that only one train goes through a crossing at one time, so many accidents occur once the first train has passed and the potential victim crosses the tracks, not realizing that another train could follow or approach from the other direction.
Our generation is increasingly influenced by marketing and entertainment media. These industries, unfortunately, continue to play a large role in the public’s desensitization toward the dangers that surround railroad tracks. Individually, the following misuses can seem harmless, but collectively, they successfully downplay the realities of track disasters. Be aware and be smart.
RECENT RED FLAGS
Category: Magazine
Title: Bride's Guide
Example: cover photo
Reason: Approximately 400 people are injured and 500 killed annually while illegally trespassing on railroad tracks, and this couple seems a bit preoccupied.
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Category: Ad
Title: Adidas
Example: magazine ad
Reason: Most people don't realize that trains overhang their tracks by at least 3 feet. That doesn't even count all of the hooks and other things that hang off of the sides.
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Know of a misuse that hasn’t made this list? Click here to share it with us. We might red flag it.