Light Rail safety tips

Hampton Roads Transit issued the following safety tips regarding light rail:

Stay Alert, Don't Get Hurt!

• Always look both ways before crossing the tracks and never cross or run in front of an approaching train or between two stopped trains.
• Use caution when sharing the road with trains. Pay attention to changing traffic patterns and follow the roadway.
• Stay alert and obey blank-out signs. Blank-out signs will automatically activate and light up when a train is approaching.
• Never listen to iPods or other MP3 players around tracks.
• Never talk on the phone when around tracks.
• Always listen for warning bells and whistles and always look for warning lights.
• Stay away from power lines.

Anytime is Train Time!

• Pay attention! Light rail trains are quiet & may travel on any track at any time.
• Don't cross tracks unless you have enough room to cross without stopping & can totally clear the tracks to a safe distance.
• When waiting for a train, always stand behind textured warning strips and never walk beyond the end of the station platform.
• Trains always have the right-of-way
• Trains are very quiet
• Trains can come from any direction, any time, on any track
• Stop! Look! Listen!

Forget Shortcuts!

• Only cross at designated crosswalks & cross quickly without stopping.
• Never try to race a train to an intersection. Trains are closer & faster than they appear & they can't stop quickly or swerve to avoid a collision.
• Never drive around lowered crossing gates!
• Jaywalking is dangerous and illegal so only cross at designated crosswalks
• Always stand behind the safety line at stations
• Be aware that gates may start going up and then lower again due to a second light rail arriving from the opposite direction than the first train did
• Trespassing on tracks is dangerous and illegal
• Always walk your bike across tracks

Everyone Should Know Signs and Signals!

• Pay attention and obey all signs and signals including blank-out signs!
• Blank-out signs are electronic signs that activate and light up automatically when a train is approaching.
• Fact: transit agencies report that common safety problems include motorists making illegal left turns and illegal right turns across tracks, resulting in collisions with light rail trains.
• Don't stop, pass or shift gears on the tracks.

On the web:

Light Rail Safety PSA

Kids safety tips

Teen safety tips

Adult safety tips