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    PennDOT, Safety Partners Highlight Light Rail Safety for Motorists and Pedestrians

    July 18, 2024

    Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), AAA East Central, and the Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department gathered for a light rail safety event to educate and raise awareness of transit safety during the summer months and onward.

    Held at the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Rail Center, the safety partners shared safe riding tips, as well as highlighted best practices for motorists and pedestrians around light rail tracks and crossings.

    PennDOT offered the following tips for pedestrians walking to stops and near the tracks:

    • Look both ways before crossing and always expect a train to be on the tracks.
    • Do not attempt to cross tracks if the warning signals are on or if rail gates are activated.
    • Stay back on the rail platform behind the visible markings.
    • Be cautious while boarding rail cars and walking on train platforms.
    • Watch your step and be aware of the gap between the platform and train when boarding.
    • Do not try to retrieve dropped items on the track. It can be replaced, you cannot.

     
    Motorists are reminded to listen for rail chimes and watch for flashing lights, signs, and other warnings of an on-coming rail car. Drivers should always look both ways before driving across tracks, continuing to watch for rail cars as they cross. Drivers should never pass under a rail gate if a train is approaching, even if they think it is “far enough away." It is illegal to drive around a lowered gate, and trains have the right of way.

    Additionally, drivers should not park in a way that obstructs light rail cars from safely passing by. Doing so is a violation and can result in a citation and the vehicle being towed.

    The importance of being aware as a rider was highlighted throughout the event. Transit riders are also encouraged to focus on staying safe by following these safety tips:

    • Stay seated while in your train car, while it is moving.
    • If you miss your train you should wait for the next one, don't try to run after it.
    • Don't walk between rail cars, as dangerous high voltage electrical power runs above the trains or underneath the tracks.
    • Be mindful of other passengers boarding and leaving the train, by giving them plenty of space to enter and exit safely.

     
    Motorists, pedestrians, and riders can work together to keep each other safe on transit by staying alert and putting safety first around rail tracks.

    For more information, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

    PennDOT's media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

    For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.

    Media Contact: Yasmeen Manyisha, ymanyisha@pa.gov​

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