Michael J. d’Entremont
Chief of Police
600 High St.
Dedham, MA 02026
For Immediate Release
Friday, Feb. 5, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Dedham Police Remind Residents to Stay Off Railroad Tracks in Wake of Tragedy
DEDHAM – Following the tragic death of a teenager earlier this week, Chief Michael d’Entremont and the Dedham Police Department are reminding residents to stay off railroad tracks at all times.
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, a 13-year-old boy was struck and killed by a commuter rail train while he was walking on the tracks near Endicott Station in Dedham.
“It’s always extremely saddening to lose a young life, especially so suddenly and under these circumstances,” Chief d’Entremont said. “We ask that the community please never walk on the tracks and to only enter and exit a train from designated platforms.”
Residents are reminded to stay off the tracks at all times, unless at a roadway crossing. Pedestrians who choose to play or walk near the railroad tracks are trespassing on private property and could potentially be fined, seriously injured or killed. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reports that trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, with more than 445 fatalities occurring each year.
Chief D’Entremont urges the community to follow safety tips provided by Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization that partnered with the FRA and other groups to prevent railroad-related injuries, collisions and fatalities.
- Stay alert. Trains can come from either direction at any time and sometimes can be very quiet. Around train tracks or in stations, obey all warning signs, signals and be cautious when using headsets or cellphones.
- Don’t take shortcuts with your life. Follow all directional signs and markings that let you know where it is safe to cross the tracks. Crossing the tracks anywhere else is dangerous and illegal.
- Watch the overhang, as trains are wider than the tracks. Never sit on the edge of the station platform.
- Pay attention to the painted or raised markings at the platform edge, and stay at least three feet from the train while it is coming in or out of the station.
- When on board, hold on to poles or seats and listen carefully to directions from the train operator or conductor.
- Watch your step. Be careful getting on and off the train. There may be a gap between the train and platform or steps.
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