Too many people die needlessly each year by getting too close to or onto tracks and into the path of trains, area transportation officials say.
To raise awareness about safety around railroads, several agencies partnered for a two-day community event that continues today, Sept. 25, at the Fullerton Train Museum.
Families visiting the museum at the Fullerton Transportation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. can walk through train equipment, talk with railroad workers and learn about safety.
A child gets help down the ladder of an Amtrak train after taking a look inside during Rail Safety Week at Fullerton’s Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tim Cheung of Roland Heights walks through a 1961 Southern Pacific train during a Track Safety event at Fullerton Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Six-year-old Noah Orozco of Brea plays peek-a-boo with his mom, Susie, at the Fullerton Train Museum during Rail Safety Week on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Buddy takes his perch on a 1927 steam engine as his owners take pictures during Rail Safety Week at Fullerton Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Train enthusiasts take pictures of a passing train at Fullerton’s Train Museum during Rail Safety Week on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Annalise Cheung, 7, and her brother Ezekiel, 3, check out trains on display at Fullerton’s Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A 1949 Santa Fe lounge Car is one of several old-time trains on display during Rail Safety Week at Fullerton’s Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A 1927 train lets out steam during Rail Safety Week at Fullerton’s Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Keri Mludek and her 2-year-old son, J.B., take part in the Track Safety Community Event at the Fullerton Train Museum on Saturday, September 24, 2022. The free event takes part during Rail Safety Week (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Each year, about 2,000 people are killed or injured nationwide in accidents related to trespassing on tracks or drivers getting caught up at train crossings. A train loaded with freight can take a mile or more to come to a stop, officials warned. They also reminded the community that it is actually illegal to trespass on train tracks.
Participating in the community events are Amtrak and the Pacific Surfliner, California Operation Lifesaver, BNSF, Caltrans, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, Metrolink and the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. There was also a day dedicated to working with first responders.
