Between May 12 and May 15, 2019, four pedestrians were struck and killed by trains in Florida. Sadly, these stories are far too common in the Sunshine State. In 2017, 76 people were killed in Florida by trains, with a majority of the deaths occurring in South Florida. SunRail, Brightline, and Tri-Rail trains have largely been the culprits of these tragedies.

A number of factors can cause a train accident, including:

• Train derailments
• Human error
• Mechanical failure
• Unprotected railroad crossings
• Trespassing or trying to “beat the train”
• Suicide or suicide attempts

Train companies have continuously refused to take responsibility for these deaths, instead blaming the pedestrians themselves for being on the tracks. By doing so, rail line executives are choosing to disregard their duty to keep the public safe from their trains. It is unacceptable for them to expect everyone, even vulnerable populations such as children, to fully understand just how fast trains approach. By taking preventative action to limit public access to the tracks, lives could be saved every year.

Unfortunately, rail lines’ lack of accountability makes it important for pedestrians and drivers to keep themselves safe by taking their own precautionary measures:

• Never try to “beat the train.” If a train is traveling at 55 miles per hour, it takes over a mile for it to come to a complete stop. Even if a train conductor sees you and applies the emergency brakes, it may be too late to prevent a collision.
• Do not walk on or near the tracks. Trains are up to three feet wider than the tracks, so you can still get struck by standing too close, but not on, the tracks.
• If you are driving, never stop on railroad tracks. At red lights, stay behind tracks and crossing guards and do not inch forward until you can fully clear them in one motion.
• Do not assume that no trains are coming simply because you don’t hear a horn blasting. In quiet zones, train operators do not need to use their warning horns while approaching intersections.