Stop Taking Your Kids To The Train Tracks To Take Pictures

Every now and then on social media I'll see a photo and wonder just what is going through people's minds. I get that people love to take pictures of their kids. They're cute! I get it! You wanna get a little creative, sure. I respect that. But you've gotta stop taking your kids to take pictures on train tracks. Here's the thing:

You should absolutely not have your child on the tracks. Maybe it’s okay to you because you’re watching, but what you’re teaching your kid is that it’s okay to do it.
Cameras and posing for photos is one of the most distracting and most dangerous things you can do when something big is charging your way without a chance to stop. You wouldn’t take a selfie on a highway, would you?

Look at the Missouri law on the subject.

It is unlawful for anyone to walk upon the track of railroad, except at a crossing. Violation of this section is considered a trespass. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 389.650(6) (1999). Missouri law deems it a “trespass to railroad property” when a person commits any one of the following acts: (1) Throwing an object at a railroad train or rail-mounted work equipment; or (2) Maliciously or wantonly causing in any manner the derailment of a railroad train, railroad car or rail-mounted work equipment. Any person committing a trespass to railroad property pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Except, however, that if committing a trespass results in the damage or destruction of railroad property in an amount exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars or resulting in the injury or death of any person, then the infraction is a class D felony. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 389.653. (1999). No person may ride, lead or drive any horses or other animals upon a railroad right-of-way other than at a farm crossing without the consent of the railroad. For each offense, a person shall forfeit and pay a sum not exceeding ten dollars, and shall also be required to pay all damages. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 389.650 (1999).

So really, is it worth it? I don't think so. Take em to the kiddie train tracks at Liberty Park instead! At least there you know you aren't going to be committing a felony just to get a cute Facebook update. Stay safe out there, please!

Photographically yours,
Behka