LA Angels join California rail partners to promote Rail Safety Month

Ahead of Rail Safety Month in September, Amtrak and California rail partners launched multifaceted educational initiatives, including a train safety event in Oakland this week, a series of safety advertisements on internet-connected televisions and streaming platforms, and a partnership with the Los Angeles Angels Major League Baseball team to promote rail safety.

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Union Pacific Railroad, and the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, are partnering with California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL).

“Capitol Corridor is working closely with cities and counties [along] our entire route to prevent incidents at railroad crossings," said CCJPA Managing Director Rob Padgette in a press release.

Amtrak, UP police and local law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions participated in the event, both on the train and from the ground, issuing warnings and citations to motorists and pedestrians who were engaging in risky rail behavior.

On Sept. 4, prior to the start of the Los Angeles Angels' home game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will host for game attendees a safety education booth with CAOL. Additionally, a train safety message will be broadcast on the Angels Radio AM 830 station throughout September.

California has the highest number of fatalities in both trespass and grade crossing incidents in the country. In 2009, the California State Legislature presented the September Rail Safety Month proclamation to CAOL.