FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
With increased train activity, railroad safety is becoming an area of emphasis on Fort Eustis.
"The more awareness we can get out there about the fact these things (railroad safety violations) are going on would be helpful," said Chief Warrant Officer Scott Titus, instructor/writer with the Maritime and Intermodal Training Department, Marine Engineering Division. Chief Warrant Officer Titus added that there have been some close calls with people getting caught too close to a railroad track with a train approaching.
"We used to have a detail of Soldiers as crossing guards that would stop traffic," he said. According to Chief Warrant Officer Titus, there is coordination with the Military Police, who now control railroad traffic crossing. However, he added, there have still been incidences.
One of the issues Chief Warrant Officer Titus has seen is vehicles that try to beat the train across the track.
"The problem with that is the train is usually closer than what they think it is," he said. Another issue has to do with the way the roads are designed at Eustis, he continued.
"There are times when you think you are across the crossing and out of the way, but you're really not," Chief Warrant Officer Titus said. "That becomes a problem."
The next Locomotive Engineer Certification Course is Dec. 13 to 17.
"We have six other Certification Courses scheduled, but will not run all of them," Chief Warrant Officer Titus said. The next class scheduled after December is in February 2011.
Railroad safety tips include:
- Do not play on or around railroad tracks. Educate your children.
- Do not park your vehicle on or next to the tracks.
- Do not walk on or near railroad tracks.
- Always expect movement of trains at anytime.
For more information, visit http://www.oli.org/education_resources/driving_safety.htm, http://www.va-ol.org/safety.html and
http://www.va-ol.org.