Railroad Safety Includes Hunters, Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 18) - The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission joins with Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit railroad safety organization, to remind those who enjoy outdoor recreation to stay off railroad tracks.

"Unauthorized use of railroad tracks is both dangerous and illegal," said Capt. Chris Huebner, who coordinates hunting and boating safety for the Commission. "That means you don't fish from trestles, hunt from the tracks or use them as an access or short cut, whether you're hunting, fishing or bird watching."

State law prohibits anyone without consent of the railroad company from entering and remaining on railroad right-of-way. The law (NCGS: 14-280.1) is posted on page 32 of the 2006-'07 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest, published by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

"North Carolina is, unfortunately, sixth in the nation with trains and trespassing injuries," said Vivian Speight-Bridges, the state director of Operation Lifesaver. "We think the way to help prevent these needless deaths and injuries, is education, education, education."

People need to know the potential hazards presented to trespassers, she said: Trains can't swerve or stop to miss you. Although trains are huge machines, environmental conditions can muffle sounds and they can approach you without your knowledge. Flying debris and banding and tie-down devices that have become unsecured can strike anyone within the right-of-way.

For more information on hunting and boating safety, visit www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031. For more information on railroad safety and North Carolina's Operation Lifesaver, visit www.ncol.org or call (919) 831-3006.