September is National Rail Safety Month, and even though safety is our primary concern all year long, this observance provides a great opportunity to remind you: “Don’t Let Your Guard Down.”

These days, we know there are many distractions: cell phones, other drivers, a historic pandemic, and devastating fires all around the state. But when you drive, ride a bike, walk, skateboard, or however you get around anywhere near light rail tracks throughout Santa Clara County, you must be aware that when there are tracks, there is always a train.

As shelter-in-place orders slowly lift in our area, people are once again getting out to go shopping, run errands, go to work, or even just get some exercise and fresh air. As activity increases, so do distractions. But please, Don’t Let Your Guard Down!

We want you to be safe around VTA light rail tracks, and that means paying attention to signals, signs, crossing gates and horns near train tracks. It means making sure you have the right of way when turning your car across light rail tracks, which are at the same grade level as the street. It means you can’t beat a train to the crossing. The train. Will. Always. Win. And if you are in the way, it would mean disaster. If you are on a bicycle or on foot, the activated crossing gates apply to you as well. Always wait for activated crossing gates to lift before crossing.

For the next few weeks, you will see reminders on our website, social media channels, in the news media, and on light rail station monitors on how to stay safe around light rail tracks. These trains may look harmless. But they weigh 100,000 pounds, and going 35 to 50 miles an hour, they cannot stop quickly.

It is critical to pay attention around light rail tracks… Don’t Let Your Guard Down…it could save your life.

You can get more information about VTA safety here. 

And check out this link for information about Operation Lifesaver.