Operation Lifesaver Offers Safety Tips for Summer Travelers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Approximately every two hours, a person or a vehicle is struck by a train in the United States.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national, non-profit, rail safety program wants to help summer travelers with simple precautions to take when walking near or driving across railroad tracks.

"As summer travel season begins, Operation Lifesaver offers these safety tips to drivers and pedestrians who may not have train tracks near their homes, but find themselves around railroad tracks and trains while on vacation," said Helen Sramek, Operation Lifesaver president.

  Operation Lifesaver's "Top Ten" safety pointers include:
  1.  Trains are everywhere. Freight, passenger, commuter, and light rail
      trains are found in both densely populated cities and rural locations.
  2.  Always expect a train. Trains can run any track, at any time, in
      either direction.
  3.  Cross only at designated locations. The only safe and legal place to
      be on a railroad track is at a designated crossing -- and even there
      it is important to stay alert and follow directions.
  4.  Don't rely on track vibration. Modern technology means that you can
      not hear or feel an oncoming train in time to clear the tracks safely.
  5.  Never go around a lowered crossing gate or through a flashing light.
      These devices indicate that an oncoming train is imminent. If you
      suspect the gate is malfunctioning, call the railroad using the toll
      free emergency notification number posted at the crossing or call
      local law enforcement.
  6.  Trains are wider than their tracks. To ensure clearance and to protect
      yourself from flying debris, always stand or stop at least 15 feet
      from the track.
  7.  Trains can't stop or swerve like cars. It can take a freight train
      traveling 55 miles per hour more than a mile to stop.
  8.  You can't gauge the speed of an approaching train. An optical illusion
      caused by their large mass (freight trains average 12 million pounds)
      makes trains seem to be moving more slowly than they actually are.
  9.  Don't get caught on the tracks. Before driving across tracks, be sure
      there is room on the other side to completely clear both the tracks
      and the train's overhang.
  10. If you stall, get out and get away. Move everyone out of the car and
      away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train approaching. Call
      the toll free emergency number posted near the crossing or your local
      police immediately.

In 2006, according to preliminary U.S. government statistics, there were 2,908 automobile collisions at railroad crossings across America, 366 motorists lost their lives, and 997 people were injured or killed across the United States while walking or playing on railroad tracks or track right of way.

Operation Lifesaver's mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on rail property. It has a nationwide network of volunteers who work to educate people about rail safety. For more information about the organization, log on to http://www.oli.org/.

  Media Contact:
  Marmie Edwards
  1.800.537.6224
  Medwards@oli.org