JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Operation Lifesaver have declared September 29 through October 3, 2014, as Missouri Rail Safety Week.
These three agencies along with local law enforcement and railroad companies are partnering together to raise public awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossing laws and trespassing on railroad property.
“Collisions between vehicles/pedestrians and trains are preventable,” said Missouri Operation Lifesaver Executive Director Rick Mooney. “Missouri law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings during Missouri Rail Safety Week. We are hoping to change the public’s mindset regarding rail safety. Rail Safety Week is a great opportunity to get our message out there!”
Missouri Operation Lifesaver will also air radio messages across the state for the next two months to stress the fact that it is “no contest” to try to beat a train or even to share a walkway with trains. These ads focus on the new safety campaign theme of “See Tracks? Think Train!” Enforcement events are scheduled to deter violations of crossing safety laws and to curb trespassing on the railroad tracks. Other safety events have been held during the past couple months around the state to promote this new theme.
“We are constantly striving to reduce crashes and eliminate deaths and injuries with both crossing collisions and trespasser incidents,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information and Education Director Captain Tim Hull. “We encourage everyone to take these warning devices seriously and pay attention at all railroad crossings. Also please remember railroad tracks are private property and trespassing is dangerous and illegal.”
In 2013, there were 64 crossing crashes and trespass incidents resulting in 14 fatalities and 38 injuries in the state of Missouri.
“MoDOT works with the railroads to upgrade public crossings with lights and gates, LED lights, and more reflective signing. With our limited funding, we do 30-35 signal upgrades per year,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Railroad Administrator Eric Curtit. “MoDOT continues to work with local communities and railroads to reduce the number of railroad crossings to improve safety. A closed crossing is the safest crossing.”
Missouri Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade intersections and on railroad rights-of-way through public education, engineering and enforcement. To learn more about Missouri Operation Lifesaver, please visit them online at www.oli.org.
For more information, contact MoDOT Customer Relations at 573-751-2840, MSHP Captain Tim Hull at 573-526-6115 or Missouri Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Rick Mooney at 573-634-4113.
Rail Safety Week Declared in Missouri September 29 - October 3
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