Railroads run through our town and our history can be traced to the emergence of rail.

While we become so accustomed to the whistle of the train that we no longer hear it, everyone should be reminded that train crossings can be dangerous places.

All too often we have to report on a vehicle or a person being hit by a train, resulting in a fatality or serious injury. Those are preventable tragedies.

This week — Sept. 18-24, 2023 — is recognized as Rail Safety Week across the nation.

We have all been stopped at the tracks when we are in a rush and, sometimes, get a little frustrated. We might try counting cars and looking for the elusive caboose, but still it can seem like the slow-moving train goes on forever. The object of youthful fantasy can become the bane of our existence, at least for a few moments on a busy day.

Of course, freight trains move goods across our country and are crucial for our economy and quality of life, and it is simply not possible to circumvent all busy intersections or build overpasses on all congested roadways.

The hashtag #STOPTrackTragedies is helping raise awareness of the preventable train track tragedies during Rail Safety Week.

About 2,100 people across the nation lose their lives or suffer serious injury each year in train track incidents. Rail Safety Week is spearheaded by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF), making it a true North American effort.

There are related events going on across Georgia, but here are a few safety reminders from Operation Lifesaver:

— Trains and cars don’t mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.

— The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

— Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That’s 18 football fields.

— Never drive around lowered gates — it’s illegal and it’s deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the emergency number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law-enforcement agency.

— Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.

— If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train.