Youth learn train safety tips from amputee

Jonathan Beninca was 19 years old when he was struck by a train and lost his right leg and arm.

"I missed the train home and was messing around on the tracks, throwing rocks at stationary trains," Mr Beninca said.

"The next thing I remember is waking up in hospital missing my right leg, right arm and a few fingers off my left hand."

Mr Beninca, now 34, is an ambassador for the West Australian Public Transport Authority's (PTA) Right Track program, which aims to educate students about the importance of rail safety.

The double amputee, who has travelled to Perth from Sydney for the program, said he always told the students that railway lines were not to be messed with.

"When the students are faced with the harsh reality of what life is like without an arm and a leg, they sit up and take notice," he said.

"I encourage them to make their own positive choices and to understand that injuries like mine impact your life every day - socially, financially, physically and emotionally."

Mr Beninca also talks to students about the effect that injuries and deaths have on train drivers and staff involved in the aftermath of an accident.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said last year the Right Track program, which also aimed to improve the relationship between transit officers and young people, reached more than 7000 students.