Safety - Science of SunRail

SunRail Safety

Safety is a top priority for SunRail. We want everyone to be smart and safe – whether you live and go to school near railroad tracks, or encounter them when you’re out and about.

In our community, we have SunRail, Amtrak and freight trains. Modern trains like SunRail are quieter than typical trains making it especially important to keep off and away from tracks and obey all signs and signals at railroad crossings.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

Use Crosswalks
& Never Place Objects on Tracks

Do Not Stop on Tracks,
Keep Behind White Line

Always Look for
a Second Train

Avoid Distractions
Near Tracks

Report Suspicious
Packages and Actions

Watch Your Step
& Never Board a Train in Motion

And never take selfies near the tracks!

Sandtastic

Here is a quick project to demonstrate how sand helps to stop the train.

You will need:

2 Large Sheets of Paper
Glue or Glue Stick
1 Cup of Sand
2 Quarters
Scotch Tape

Take one piece paper and glue sand to the front of the entire page.

Once dry, tape this piece of paper to a table with the sand side facing up.

Tape the clean piece of paper next to the sand paper so they are side by side.

Place one quarter on each of the pieces of paper and using your pointer finger, try to slide the quarter across the papers at the same time. Did you notice how much slower the quarter moved across the sand paper? The friction from the sand slows down the quarter just like it slows the train wheel.

DOPPLER EFFECT

Find a long open area inside or outside with a friend. Stand as far away from your friend as you can and ask them to run towards you making the sound of a train. Did you notice how the sound changed when they got closer and after they passed?