Light Rail Safety
Light rail transit is a great addition to the community and is safe as long as everyone obeys warning signs and complies with barriers. HRT is committed to promoting safety for those who live and work near The Tide through education, warning signs, barriers, and enforcement.
The Tide will implement a public education campaign to inform and educate commuters, pedestrians, and bicyclists on how to safely drive, walk, and bicycle near the light rail system.
Typically, it will take an LRT vehicle less than a minute to clear a road crossing; this time includes the raising and lowering of safety gates. At one heavily congested intersection at Brambleton, the LRT crossing will be grade-separated.
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The most common light rail vehicle accident types for on-street systems are:
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- Left and right-turning vehicles crossing illegally and in front of light rail vehicle
- Red light running
- Pedestrians walking in front of moving light rail vehicle
Light rail cars move quietly and operate near automobiles and pedestrians at some locations. To ensure your safety, please follow these important safety tips:
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- Remember: Trains cannot stop as quickly as you can.
- Only cross tracks at designated crossings where there are crossing gates, signals or traffic lights.
- Always obey all traffic signs and signals; do not assume you have the right-of-way.
- Expect a train on any track at any time. If a train goes by, watch out for a second one and be sure to look in both directions.
- Do not race a train to a crossing.
- Do not go around moving or lowered crossing gates.
- Always look both ways before crossing tracks, this is where more accidents happen.
- Do not stand or walk near tracks. Trespassing on the light rail right-of-way is dangerous and illegal.
- Stay away from electric overhead wires and support poles called the Overhead Catenary System, which is used to provide power to some light rail systems.
- Always use caution when wearing headsets, using cell phones near the tracks, or waiting on the station platform.
- Always stand behind the safety line when waiting on the station platform.
- When riding in a light rail car, do not lean on the doors.
- Do not throw objects at a light rail car or put objects on tracks.
- Do not climb on top or in between light rail cars.
- In the event of an emergency, listen to announcements and follow instructions of The Tide operator, police, or emergency services personnel.
If you have children:
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- Talk to them about light rail and teach them the importance of crossing the tracks safely. "Stop, Look, and Listen" is an important message for them to understand.
- Teach them about electricity and that playing near light rail overhead wires is very dangerous.
- Hold children's hands when crossing the street.
- Tell your children not to walk, play, skate, or ride a bike on or around light rail tracks.
If you would like to schedule a light rail safety presentation at your school, organization or community event, contact the Public Information Office at 757-222-6000 ext. 6291.
The Tide's safety program is currently under development, so be sure to sign up for The Tide email subscription service to receive an alert when more safety information is available.
Set an example by obeying the rules and sharing the message: "Stay Alert, Don't Get Hurt!"