Why shouldn't you play on train tracks?

The Deadly Allure of Train Tracks: Why You Should Never Play Near Them

Train tracks. They hold a certain fascination for some, a romantic image of journeys and faraway places. But the reality is far more dangerous, and tragically, far less romantic. Playing near or on train tracks is not an innocent adventure; it’s a reckless gamble with your life. The risks are not merely hypothetical; they are immediate, potent, and often fatal.

The most obvious danger is the trains themselves. These colossal machines are not easily stopped. Their sheer mass and momentum make them unstoppable forces, capable of inflicting devastating injuries or instant death. The idea of “jumping out of the way” is a dangerous fantasy. Reaction time is insufficient, and the space required to safely escape is simply not available. Even if a train is visible in the distance, its speed can be deceptive, and its braking distance far longer than you might imagine.

However, the danger extends far beyond the trains themselves. Overhead power lines, often invisible from the ground, carry an electrical voltage hundreds of times greater than that found in a household outlet. This potent electricity is constantly active, pulsing with lethal energy. Accidental contact, even a brush against a wire, can result in immediate electrocution, severe burns, and almost certain death. The high voltage can even arc across a significant distance, meaning you don’t need direct contact to be seriously injured. Furthermore, the ground itself around the tracks can become charged, creating a hidden, deadly hazard.

The allure of train tracks, perhaps stemming from childhood curiosity or a misguided sense of adventure, tragically masks the immense and immediate peril they represent. There’s no “safe” way to play near them. There’s no “just this once” that justifies the risk. The consequences of even a moment’s carelessness can be irreversible and devastating, not just for the individual involved, but for their families and communities.

Remember, the romantic image of train tracks is a dangerous illusion. Respect the power and danger they represent and stay far away. Your life is worth more than a fleeting moment of perceived excitement.