Rail Road Safety Lesson Rolls Into Dinkelmeyer

Sixth graders got a thorough overview of the Long Island Rail Road while also gaining some valuable safety tips during a program at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School on March 5.
Community Relations Specialist Chrisann Fabio presented the T.R.A.C.K.S program – Together Railroads and Communities Keeping Safe. It is a partnership between the LIRR’s Corporate Safety department and MTA Police. She covered a wide range of topics including railroad crossing, platform and third rail safety, and the dangers of walking on tracks, putting objects on the tracks and subway surfing.
As sixth graders, students are starting to become more independent and should be knowledgeable on how to travel the railroad system safely as well as the hazards that exist near the tracks. Ms. Fabio shared many stories of incidents on or near the tracks that served as precautionary tales.
Students also gained insight into how the Long Island Rail Road system works. They learned about block operators, who are similar to air traffic controllers in that they monitor where all trains are to ensure the system runs smoothly. This was the first time the T.R.A.C.K.S. program has been presented in North Bellmore.

