Train safety to be emphasized
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April 28, 2013 |
On Friday, May 3, city, county and state law
enforcement officers will be conducting an
Officer On A Train and Adopt A Crossing
enforcement operation in Northern Idaho.
The purpose of this enforcement operation is to
increase public awareness of the potential
dangers that exist at highway railroad
intersections and eliminate driver actions that
can have tragic consequences, by enforcing the
traffic laws that pertain to these
intersections.
The enforcement program is one of three parts of
the Operation Lifesaver effort, which include
engineering and education, designed to eliminate
car train collisions.
During the Officer On A Train enforcement
effort, one officer is placed in the lead
locomotive of a train as a spotter. This officer
observes traffic approaching the highway rail
intersections as the train proceeds down the
tracks. Other officers pace the train or are
parked at specific locations. When a motorist is
observed violating the laws pertaining to the
approaching intersection, the officer on the
train radios one of the chase cars which stop
the motorist, explain the dangers and issue a
citation.
With the Adopt A Crossing approach, city, county
and state law enforcement officers from
throughout Northern Idaho will pick a crossing
within their jurisdiction and enforce the laws
that pertain to the crossing.
During 2012, there were 10 car train collisions
resulting in three people injured and two
fatalities. This year to date, there have been
five car/train collisions reported, resulting in
one fatality.
Since 1990, the Officer On A Train and Adopt A
Crossing programs have been instrumental in
helping reduce the number of car train
collisions in the state. City, county state and
federal law enforcement agencies, the Idaho
Transportation Department, private businesses
and the railroads that operate in the state
sponsor the Idaho Operation Lifesaver program.
Idaho Operation Lifesaver is dedicated to
eliminating car train collisions, which result
in preventable deaths and injuries.
For additional information or to schedule a free
presentation, call Idaho Operation Lifesaver at
(208) 236-5626. |
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