Intro to Railroad Safety with Crystal Blasius – Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak
Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Crystal Blasius, Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak. Together they discuss the importance of everyone following safety guidelines when around trains with a focus on railroad crossings. They also discuss Operation Life Saver and some of the scenic trips you can take on Amtrak. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!
KEY POINTS:
- The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
- Crystal served our country in the U.S. Navy as an FC3, Fire Controlman 3rd Class.
- She began her career in railroading in 2008 as a Conductor for the DM&E railroad.
- Her current role as Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak reminds her a bit of CSI.
- There are approximately 78,000 customers making trips on Amtrak daily.
- Crystal’s opinion of one of the greatest challenges in railroad safety is communication.
- A train approaching a railroad crossing at an average speed of 59 mph will take a mile to stop.
- In the event of an emergency at a railroad crossing, call the number on the blue & white sign on the crossing post and give them the crossing number which will indicate your exact location.
- The 2024 Honor our Heroes Award winner is..Crystal Blasius!
- Stay tuned for our next episode!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
Crystal Blasius
Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak
Crystal began her career in the railroad industry in 2008 as a Conductor for the DM&E, and then the Canadian Pacific post-acquisition. She then joined Genesee & Wyoming Inc. as a Trainmaster and was later promoted to Director of Safety and Compliance. Today, in addition to being the Director of Safety Investigations for Amtrak, Crystal also volunteers for several organizations including being a Board Member for the Delaware Safety Counsel; a Board Member for Operation Lifesaver, Inc. for Vermont, New York and Massachusetts; and as a Presenter for Operation Lifesaver as well. Crystal served our country in the United States Navy as an FC3 – Fire Controlman 3rd Class. As a part of her Navy FC3 duties, Crystal worked with NATO’s launch control for their self-defense system. Last but certainly not least, Crystal is the winner of the 2024 - American Railroading Podcast – Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by Boots for Troops!