Pennies on the tracks?

Question

Is it true that if you put a penny on the track it could kill you or put out your eye? Or is that just something the rail road company says to scare kids into not wasting pennies.

Answer 1

yes it's true (depending on the speed of the train and the position in which it moves IF at all). The accuracy would be like asking somebody if you wreck a car is it true that it's possible to put the steering wheel right through the front seat? The answer is yes..depending on alot of factors. BUT the momentum that carries it..(the force vs. speed) can hurt so-----put a penny on the tracks. Come back to the same location tomorrow and it will either be smashed or gone and you'll still be alive.

Answer 2

when we visited london as a choir two years ago, a bunch of the guys were caught throwing pennies on the tram tracks. now, im not sure about the urban legend of putting your eye out, but the way security explained it, the friction of the copper against the wheels of a tram or train can actually derail the car, causing obvious bad aftermath to occur.

Answer 3

a penny on a track won/t hurt yoou but when the train goes over the penny it will flaten to al most the thickness of paper depending how many cars pass over it

Answer 4

It probably could put out your eye, or maybe kill you.  I would stand far away to do this.

Answer 5

boom-shakalaka

Answer 6

I have done it and I am neither dead nor blind.

And I think your mother has some pull with the Railroad  to have them contact you about cluttering up their tracks with flat shiny pennies. I am so impressed with your Mom.

Answer 7

Hoghead is absolutely correct.  There is no danger in placing pennies.  But one of our engineers hits the sanders so the penny will stick to the wheel and carry it away down the tracks. - if he sees kids doing it..  The idea is to discourage them.  If they lose their money, maybe they will stop hanging around RR tracks.  

Bottom line, railroad tracks are very dangerous and you ought to stay clear.

Answer 8

Coins are not a problem.  You have a better chance of getting hurt getting to the rail to place the penny on it. They are immediately flattened by the wheels, if they don't fall off the track from vibrations even before the wheel gets to it.

But, vandals do put spikes, tie plates, creepers and other steel objects on the tracks, and they will certain kill you.  It has happened many times over the years.

And, when moms warn their kids about the dangers of the railroad right of way, the kids would do well to listen.  Mom knows what she is talking about, here.

Addendum:  I forgot to mention, when a coin has been flattened buy the wheels, it is very thin, and as a result, the edges are razor sharp, and they can cut you very easily when being handled.

Answer 9

Yes, it is true!  The penny could, if placed in the correct position, fly off the track when the train runs over it and fly up and hit you.  Chances are it won't but be careful...