The recent tragic death of a Garden City man struck by an Amtrak train has left an impact of an event with potentially preventable means. While investigations determine the exact circumstances, one truth stands clear: railroad crossings demand our full attention and respect every single time.
In communities across southwest Kansas, trains are part of everyday life. We see them, we hear them, and too often we underestimate them. What many people don’t realize is that a train traveling 55 miles per hour can take more than a mile to stop. Even when an engineer applies emergency brakes immediately, physics simply doesn’t allow a train to halt quickly. By the time a crew sees someone or something on the tracks, they may have no ability to prevent tragedy.
Most railroad crossings are designed with multiple safety systems — flashing lights, crossing arms, bells — yet incidents still occur. Sometimes it is impatience. Sometimes distraction. Sometimes a vehicle stalls unexpectedly.
One of the most dangerous mistakes a driver can make is stopping on the tracks due to backed-up traffic. Before crossing, always ensure there is enough room on the other side to completely clear both rails. If there isn’t space, wait. Never assume you can “beat” a train, and never assume a train is moving slower than it appears. Trains are often closer and faster than they seem.
It is also important to remember:
● Trains can approach from either direction.
● In some places a second train can follow closely behind the first.
● Passenger trains such as Amtrak often travel much faster than freight trains.
● Modern trains can be surprisingly quiet until they are very near.
If your vehicle ever stalls or becomes stuck on a railroad crossing, the most important rule is simple: get out immediately.
Do not attempt to restart the vehicle if a train is approaching. Exit the vehicle and move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train is coming from. This helps protect you from flying debris in the event of a collision.
Once you are safely away, locate the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted at the crossing. Every public railroad crossing has one. The sign includes:
● A unique crossing identification number.
● A 24-hour emergency phone number for the railroad company.
Providing that crossing ID number allows railroad dispatchers to alert train crews quickly and potentially stop or slow trains before they reach the crossing. That small sign is a critical safety tool that many people overlook.
Railroad tracks are never a safe place to walk, stop, or take shortcuts. They are active transportation corridors that carry thousands of tons of steel at highway speeds. Familiarity with the tracks in our communities can sometimes create a false sense of security — but trains operate on schedules and momentum, not assumptions.
A loss of life is heartbreaking. While nothing can undo tragedy, awareness can prevent future ones. Taking an extra moment to look, listen, and think before crossing railroad tracks is a simple act that can protect you, your passengers, and others.
Railroad safety is not just a slogan — it is a responsibility we all share.
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