Another tragedy at a light rail crossing. This time at Race and Parkmoor in San Jose. That makes four deaths this year. Four people who won’t be spending the holidays with loved ones, friends, and family.

At the Valley Transportation Authority, we cannot overemphasize the importance of safety around our light rail system.  We are responsible for running a safe system. And we’re doing our part.  There are signs and signals and crossing gates to keep people from crossing tracks when a train is coming.

Trains Don’t Stop on a Dime

But we want to remind the public that we operate on the same street levels where people drive, walk and ride their bicycles, scooters and skateboards. Light rail trains can weigh up to 50 tons – 100,000 pounds. They travel at speeds ranging from 10 miles an hour downtown, to 55 miles per hour on some stretches of track.

They cannot stop immediately when people distracted by headphones and cell phones walk inadvertently onto the tracks without looking to see if a train is coming.  They cannot stop immediately when someone sees a train has passed coming from one direction, and thinks the coast is clear, defying the safety gates that are still activated. If the safety gates are still down, a train is coming from the other direction. You must look both ways before crossing light rail tracks.  Most of all, wait for the gate to be raised, showing it’s safe to cross.

We want you to have a happy and safe holiday. One where you look both ways knowing “You Can’t Beat a Train.”