Always be alert around rail crossings and remember:

• The only safe place to cross the railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing
• It can take a mile or more for a train to stop – the length of 18 football fields
• Railroad property is private property. It is illegal to be on railroad right-of-way unless you are at a designated crossing
• Trains hang over the tracks at least three feet in both directions. If you are next to the tracks, you can be hit
• Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing
• DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing

Over the past few weeks, RCTC, through the Operation Lifesaver program, has participated in the Downtown Riverside Lunar New Year Festival, the Corona Kids and Cops Holiday event, the Moreno Valley Holiday Snow Day, and the City of Perris Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to remind communities about the dangers of railroad tracks. With schools back to in-person instruction and with more residents out and about in their communities, everyone needs to be alert around rail crossings.

Interested in a rail safety presentation for your child’s school or for a community group in Riverside County? RCTC is available! Our California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) team of trained volunteers can schedule a free virtual or in-person presentation tailored for any grade level or public gathering. Please email your request to RailSafetyEducation@rctc.org or call RCTC at at 951-787-7141.

The Point: Rail safety program reminds pedestrians, motorists to make good decisions

Planning to catch a movie at the Regency Theatres 10 at University Village in Riverside? Show up a little early to grab your popcorn and see the California Operation Lifesaver cartoon short, “No Photo is Worth the Risk”.

RCTC is using the Operation Lifesaver program in local schools and communities to educate students and their families about rail safety. And although the cartoon is a light-hearted reminder to never take photos on or near railroad tracks, the stark reality is that every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States.

The Regency Theatres 10 serves the University of California, Riverside neighborhood, which is adjacent to the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line. UCR students and neighbors are reminded to stay off the railroad tracks.

If movies aren’t in your plans, check out the video below and help RCTC spread the word by sharing on your social media accounts. See social media icons below the video to share now.

The cartoon short will be making its way to the big screen in Jurupa Valley and Perris later this year, along with other cartoons to remind viewers that “No Video is Worth the Risk” and “No Selfie is Worth the Risk.”