As a child, I had a frightening encounter with train tracks that still haunts me today. At around ten years old, while playing outside with friends, my foot got stuck in the tracks near my home. As I stumbled, my shoelace came undone, and my sneaker became wedged tightly. My friends, trying to help me, found the situation amusing, but panic gripped me. I was terrified that a train would come barreling down the tracks before I could free myself. In a moment of desperation, I managed to slip my foot out of my shoe just in time for my friends to pull it loose. It was a close call, and shortly after, a train passed by with a deafening roar.
Now, as the mother of three teenagers who frequently venture out on their own, I constantly remind them to steer clear of train tracks. They often roll their eyes at my warnings, believing they are invincible. However, I share my own story to illustrate the dangers, especially since we live just half a mile from active tracks.
You might think you’ll hear a train approaching and have enough time to move out of the way, but that’s not always the case. Just last weekend, a tragic incident occurred in Troutdale, Oregon, where a 17-year-old lost his life after being struck by a train while taking senior photos. It’s unclear why he couldn’t escape in time; a photographer was present, but that didn’t help either. The area was reportedly fenced off with no trespassing signs, indicating that reaching the tracks required some effort.
Railroad tracks are not ideal backdrops for pictures. Families often walk along the tracks for photos, and high school seniors pose there for yearbook memories. However, these tracks are not safe locations for recreation or photography—especially with earbuds in. Just a few days prior to the Troutdale incident, another man was killed by a train in Bellevue, Ohio, with authorities suspecting he was wearing earbuds at the time of the accident.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, over 1,000 injuries and fatalities related to rail trespassing were reported in 2018. Since 1997, more than 7,200 pedestrians have been killed by trains in the United States. Many may underestimate the risks, but these statistics reveal a frightening reality.
Teenagers and adults often believe they can dodge an oncoming train, but this is a perilous assumption. In towns with commuter rail services, it’s vital to pay attention to signals and not take unnecessary risks. We all lead busy lives, but safety should not be compromised for a quick photo op.
It’s essential for us to model safe behaviors and remind our children about the potential dangers. As mass transit systems become more prevalent, young people must learn to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. For those interested in family planning or home insemination, you can check out resources like this excellent article on IVF and fertility preservation or visit Make a Mom for more information.
In summary, train tracks are not places for selfies or family photos. The dangers are real, and there are countless other locations where you can capture those precious moments without risking lives.
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