A reminder for summer: Stay off the railroad tracks

Summer learning experiences can be life-changing, and how time is spent during the summer can be just as important as how time is spent during the school year. As a natural resources management instructor at the King Career Center and Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program mentor for more than 20 years, I encourage my students to head outside during the summer months to explore and learn about our state.

One of the best parts of my summer is being able to spend time in the wilderness as part of my lessons.

As my students and I headed to Seward for one of our first KCC wilderness summer camps on the Alaska Railroad, one of my students expressed that he had never been outside of Anchorage, let alone on the Alaska Railroad. While this is not the first time I've heard this from a student, it reminded me that not all Alaskans are familiar with riding the train or spending time along the Railbelt.

This conversation, coupled with a few recent trips along Turnagain Arm, got me thinking about another type of learning we should all keep at the top of mind for our children and ourselves this summer: track safety.

In all my years working with youth in Alaska, I've learned that these kids are not nearly as knowledgeable as we'd think about how to safely explore Alaska's outdoors, let alone how to be safe near train tracks. You may think that crossing tracks to reach your favorite scenic view seems harmless, but that could not be further from the truth.

Every year, the Alaska Railroad sees an increase in trespassing incidents on the train tracks when summer arrives. Take a quick glance out your window, as I did, when you drive past Beluga Point, and you'll see the terrifying evidence of this. Last year, our state saw a record number of visitors during the summer months. With both visitors and locals exploring our state's many scenic points this summer, it's important that we practice track safety ourselves and share the message with others.

Trespassing is not only illegal, it is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America and results in more than 500 deaths each year. In addition, almost as many are injured as a result of trespassing. So far in 2016, trespassing on the tracks has already led to the death of a 13-year-old in Texas and an 18-year-old in Virginia, along with dozens of other fatal incidents. The good news is that we can help prevent these incidents in Alaska by being educated about track safety and being good role models for our children and visitors to Alaska.

There are a few simple things to keep in mind when practicing track safety: always expect a train whenever you are near tracks, as they move more quietly and quickly than you'd think; obey posted signs and signals when approaching railroad crossings; and never use the tracks as a trail.

We are all lucky to call Alaska home, and it's crucial that we learn how to practice safe habits as we explore our beautiful state. Please, be a role model for your children and visitors this summer. Stay off the tracks, and always stop, look and listen for trains.

Mike Woods is a natural resources management instructor at the Anchorage School District Kings Career Center and longtime Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program mentor.