After Burke Girl's Death: 5 Things To Know About Train Safety

BURKE, VA—Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Train deaths have decreased over the last few decades, but it's a startling fact that hits close to home.

Three months ago, a 13-year-old Burke girl's life was cut short when she was run over by a train. Suddenly, a fun hiking trip with her brother and cousin near Bull Run Bridge had turned into tragedy. Local officials are sharing tips residents should know so other families do not have to go through this.

To recognize Rail Safety Week (Sept. 24-30), Fairfax County officials joined Virginia Railway Express at the Burke Centre Station. Speakers included Police Chief Edwin Roessler, Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook, Lee District Supervisor Jeff C. McKay, Virginia Railway Express CEO Doug Allen and Fire and Rescue Chief Richard R. Bowers Jr.

“Part of what we do as a police department is prevent tragedy through education campaigns, like railroad safety,” said Roessler. “Trespassing on tracks is a crime.”

Here are five tips residents can take away from officials about train safety:

1. Crossing train tracks is a criminal violation.

Going onto railroad tracks other than at designated crossing spots is considered a trespassing offense. The first violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor, according to Virginia law. Fairfax County Police officers patrol train tracks to check for violations.

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2. The number of deaths by trespassing on train tracks is sobering.

In 2016, trespassing on train tracks accounted for 980 deaths and injuries occurred across the U.S. In addition, 2,039 vehicles were struck at grade crossings. Virginia had approximately 17 trespass and 30 grade crossing incidents.

3. Trains are quieter and faster than they used to be.

Don't expect to hear a loud racket to know when a train is coming. Modern technology has designed trains to become quieter and faster. Going onto the tracks when you don't think a train is nearby isn't worth your life.

4. Fairfax County has higher rail traffic than many parts of the U.S.

It's not surprising that trains frequently run around the DC area, from VRE to Metro and Amtrak. Eastern Fairfax County hosts a heavily used freight corridor that is also used by VRE and Amtrak. Western Fairfax County hosts Norfolk Southern’s Washington District mainline used by VRE and Amtrak.

5. Fairfax County has made vehicle and pedestrian improvements at railroad crossings.

The county has is working to eliminate at-grade roadway crossings. Roberts Parkway, Burke Lake Road, Rolling Road and others have all been reconfigured over the past several years to safely bridge roadway and pedestrian traffic over the railroad tracks.

VRE image via Nick De Vinne/Wikimedia Commons