Gopher State Railway Museum
Mailing Address
PO Box 125
New Prague, MN 56071
ph: 952-758-8729
alt: 952-412-2145
gopherst
Operation Lifesaver is an important safety education program aimed at reducing the number of deaths related to tresspassing and grade crossing accidents to ZERO.
Most major railroads and their employees participate in the Operation Lifesaver program, visiting schools and public events, educating the public on railroad safety.
For more information about Operation Lifesaver and to find out how to arrange a visit to your school, Scout Troop or other organization by an Operation Lifesaver representative, visit: oli.org
Reprinted from the Operation Lifesaver Website: http://oli.org/education-resources/saftey-tips/safety-tips-and-facts/%EF%BB%BF
A disturbing trend is growing in the portrait industry: Railroad rights-of-way as photo studios.
Don't let this be you! It's tresspassing, it's dangerous and your fun photo session could turn tragic in an instant if a train comes along.
With today's modern railways featuring roller bearings and ribbon rail, an approaching train can be deadly quiet - until moments before the engineer sees your photo shoot around the curve and frantically blows the horn just prior to running you over.
Please stay off railroad right-of-ways and if your photographer suggests it, please tell him or her "NO!"
The following three photos are a tiny portion of thousands found doing a Google search and aren't meant to single out or embarass any one person, only to raise awareness of a growing and serious issue.
Don't let this be you!
The photographer of the photo below said he decided to use an "abandoned" rail line - the rails look pretty shiny for an abandoned line - don't do it.
The nearby warehouse may be unused, but the railroad may spot cars on that siding at anytime.
Many things are wrong in this next photo: Never walk on the rail head. It's a railroad safety rule for starters. You can slip and crack your head open on the rail.
Railroaders know to never step on a railhead, always step OVER the rail.
Next - it's clearly an active mainline - if you see tracks - expect a train at any time.
The photographer for this engagement photo noted being inconvenienced while taking the photo by sitting on a cactus - not nearly as painful as being hit by a train! Don't do it - stay off the tracks.
Please remember - if you really must have the railroad as a backdrop, stay a safe distance off the right-of-way.
Copyright 2012 Gopher State Railway Museum. All rights reserved.
Gopher State Railway Museum
Mailing Address
PO Box 125
New Prague, MN 56071
ph: 952-758-8729
alt: 952-412-2145
gopherst