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Railroads Urge Safety for Solar Eclipse Viewers Near Railroad Tracks


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 09:54 PM

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Union Pacific Urges Safety for August 21

Solar Eclipse Viewers Near Railroad Tracks

 

Omaha, Neb., August 3, 2017

 

Union Pacific counts many miles of freight rail lines within the eclipse's viewing path. Hauling the freight American families and businesses use daily is a 24/7 job, so Union Pacific does not plan to alter operations or train schedules August 21, the day of the eclipse. Those seeking the best view should not walk on or alongside railroad tracks or congregate near tracks, and should cross only at designated railroad crossings.

 

A fully loaded freight train travelling 50 miles per hour can take more than a mile to come to a complete stop, making it nearly impossible to avoid colliding with an individual, group or vehicle in its path. Many rail cars overhang up to six feet beyond the rails, making it a risky area, as well.

 

“During Union Pacific's proud 155 years of existence, 15 total eclipse events have transpired in the continental United States,” said Rod Deorr, Union Pacific vice president - Safety. “For those looking to participate in this historic event, please do so safely and stay away from railroad tracks.”

 

 



#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 17 August 2017 - 09:28 AM

NS news release:
 

Norfolk Southern encourages eclipse viewers to be careful around railroad tracks

 

 

NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 17, 2017 -- As skygazers prepare for the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. since 1979, Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) is encouraging viewers to stay away from  railroad tracks.

 

Norfolk Southern trains run around the clock in all weather and lighting conditions and will continue to operate during the Aug. 21 eclipse. The full solar eclipse will be visible from seven states across  Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, while a partial eclipse will be seen across the railroad’s entire system. The full eclipse will last two minutes and 30 seconds. In that time, a freight train traveling 50 mph can cover 2.1 miles and take more than a mile to come to a complete stop.

 

Walking on or close to railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal. Many rail cars extend up to six feet beyond the rails.

 

“We want you to remain safe while viewing this historic event. If you are near railroad tracks and distracted by the eclipse, you are putting yourself in serious jeopardy,” said Chip Feininger, Norfolk Southern’s system safety coordinator.

 

Those seeking optimal views of the eclipse should not walk on or beside railroad tracks or climb railroad trestles. Cross tracks only at designated rail crossings. In addition, motorists should not attempt to view the eclipse while driving or stopping their car near the tracks for a better view.

 

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 977 people nationwide in 2016 were injured or lost their lives after being struck by a train while trespassing on or near railroad tracks.

 



#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 17 August 2017 - 06:33 PM

CSX news release:

 
CSX Promotes Safety Awareness during 2017 Solar Eclipse

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – August 17, 2017 – With the approach of the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, CSX (Nasdaq: CSX) has ramped up efforts to promote safety on and near railroad tracks as residents and visitors gather in communities throughout CSX’s network to observe the once-in-a-lifetime event. The eclipse’s path of totality is 70 miles wide, crossing CSX operations in six states including Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

 

CSX has developed informational materials that highlight the importance of staying safe around railroad tracks and has reached out to communities and local officials to promote safety awareness for those seeking the best view of this year’s eclipse.  Print-ready versions of the rail-safety materials can be found at www.csx.com/eclipse.

 

“Visitors to towns and cities within the path of the eclipse may be unfamiliar with the presence of railroads in those areas,” said CSX vice president for public safety, health and environment Bryan Rhode. “The materials we’re offering are designed to promote awareness around railroad tracks, so that the experience for those observing the eclipse is both safe and memorable.”

 

CSX recommends all pedestrians, including eclipse-watchers, stay at least 50 feet away from railroad tracks at all times to ensure their safety. Railroad tracks are an unforgiving environment for pedestrians at any time, and walking or standing on tracks is never safe because trains can come from either direction at any time with little notice. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at designated, marked crossings.

More information about safety around railroads can be found at www.csx.com.

 



#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 August 2017 - 02:46 PM

KCS news release:

 

Kansas City Southern Urges Safety during Great American Eclipse

 

 

Kansas City, Mo., August 18, 2017.  As people from all over prepare for the Great American Eclipse, Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE: KSU) wants all sky-gazers to be safe.  While KCS’ U.S. subsidiary, The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR), operates in four states in the path of the total solar eclipse, only portions of the network in Missouri and Tennessee are anticipated to be directly affected.  Nonetheless, because the railroad operates around the clock, those watching the sky are urged to do so away from railroad property.

 

“First and foremost, KCS is committed to the safety of our employees, customers, contractors and the communities we serve,” said executive vice president and chief operating officer Jeffrey Songer.  “The total solar eclipse that crosses the U.S. and our network is sure to be an exciting event.  We also want it to be a safe one for everyone taking part.”

 

Standing or walking on or close to railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal.  A freight train traveling 50 miles per hour can cover 2.1 miles and take more than a mile to come to a complete stop.  Those seeking the best view of the eclipse should not walk on or alongside railroad tracks or congregate near tracks, and should cross only at designated railroad crossings.

 

In addition, anyone planning to watch the eclipse should not do so without proper eye protection.  The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters.  Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.  Only four companies sell eclipse glasses that meet the international standard (ISO 12312-2) recommended by NASA and others.

 






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