Locomotive Engineer Todd Barras: 'My Main Goal is Going Home to My Family'

A fateful choice almost cost 29-year railroader Todd Barras, locomotive engineer, his life.

"If it had been a second more, I would have been dead," Barras said, sharing he's never walked in front of a moving car since the near miss.

Barras knows firsthand, safety is a mindset. He is sharing his personal near-miss experience to help others understand the importance of making safe choices, encouraging his fellow railroaders to do the right thing: stop and ask questions, follow the rules and avoid shortcuts.

Embracing safety as a core value is at the center of Union Pacific's Journey to World-Class Safety training. Since launching in January 2024, more than 4,800 Transportation craft professionals like Barras have participated.

"I want you to go home every day to your family," Barras said.