DOT Issues Guidance for Pedestrian Safety at Train Stations
DOT Issues Guidance for Pedestrian Safety at Train Stations.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidance for railroads and public transit agencies to help keep pedestrians safe near train stations. As required by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, FRA developed the document, Pedestrian Crossing Safety at or Near Passenger Stations , in consultation with rail safety partners in government, industry, and labor. It establishes strategies for railroads and state and local governments to adopt to help prevent pedestrian casualties. Among the mitigation strategies detailed are the use of: audible and visual warnings of approaching trains, such as horns and “second train coming” signs; making engineering and infrastructure improvements to stations and platforms; and installing swing gates and fences to prohibit access to railroad tracks. The guidance can be viewed here.