I pledge to be safe around buses and trains.
127 Million
pledges so far
These guys are funny, but RTD takes safety seriously
RTD has a great safety record and we want to keep it that way. Most people are smart and safe around buses and trains. But some people forget that buses and trains are big and fast and can’t stop quickly. There are a million dumb ways to die, don’t let it be around buses and trains.
The Dumb Ways to Die campaign is a reminder to be safe every day. Don’t do dumb things like stick your fork in a toaster or sell both your kidneys on the internet. We also want you to be safe around buses and trains. Here are a few tips to remember the next time you’re near a bus or train:
Stay off the tracks
It’s easy to be distracted by your phone these days. We need you to stay alert when near the tracks – it might save your life. Trains are very quiet, come from both directions, and can’t stop very easily.
Don’t touch those wires
The wires above the train are dangerous and extremely high voltage. Don’t try to touch them or reach them with an object (fork or otherwise).
Stand back from moving vehicles
Trains are wider than the tracks and buses are wider than their wheels – with doors that open and side mirrors. Play it safe and stand back from moving vehicles.
When it’s gone, it’s gone.
You sometimes lose your mind when you’re running late and try to stop a moving vehicle. Don’t ever chase or touch a moving vehicle. Your life is more important than a few wasted minutes.
Watch the doors!
Train doors are heavy and close automatically. Keep loose clothing away from the doors and don’t try to force them open. Just think of it this way: missing the train isn’t as bad as missing a limb.
Be patient at pedestrian and vehicle crossings
Getting stuck at a train crossing can be annoying. It’s a small inconvenience to stop when you’re in a rush, but it’s a big inconvenience to die. Don’t ever walk or drive around the gate when it’s closing or closed.
How Dumb Ways to Die came to Colorado
In 2012, Melbourne, Australia’s Metro Trains launched Dumb Ways to Die, a creative safety awareness campaign. The campaign pairs cute colorful cartoons with humorous and ridiculous death scenarios – ultimately highlighting acts of stupidity around trains. The end goal is to use humor to have a serious conversation about safety. The campaign brought global attention to the topic of train safety through song, video, and game.
Now for the first time in the United States, RTD is bringing Dumb Ways to you. We don’t mean to offend, but simply to educate, entertain, and create conversation about public safety around buses and trains.
During their campaign, Metro received 75 million pledges worldwide from people committed to being safe around trains. Help us achieve the same amazing results in Colorado. Be safe around buses and trains.