Just stay the fuck off the tracks.

Don't stand on rail lines with 3 rails.

huh????

It's always on the side away from the platform.

It's easy to avoid assuming you know they exist in the first place. From what I understand, injuries and deaths caused by them are when people don't know, aren't in a condition that allows them to recognize what's happening, or they're involved in something that puts them in contact involuntarily (like tripping on something).

Since they're between the rails, you don't have to worry about which side they're on.

In many third rail powered trains, the third rail is usually located outside of the two running rails, so you can avoid touching it as long as you walk between the two running rails. With the one exception of a train being on that track, it is generally the safest place to be.

Also, a lot of places usually put a non-conductive cover over it to protect it. I've seen flagmen sit on it over deenergized third rails, but I wouldn't want to risk it.

On metro networks with the third line on the side of the tracks, the trains have contacts for them on both sides. The contacts on the other side just kind of hang in the air without doing anything.

1. google
2. it's in the middle. It provides power to the train.