(The following report appeared at WOWKTV.com on June 22, 2009.)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Reducing the number of pedestrians in Ohio who are killed and injured around tracks and trains, especially 18 to 34-year-olds, who make up the largest percentage of these casualties, is the goal of a new safety campaign by the nonprofit group Operation Lifesaver www.oli.org in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and major railroad companies.
The Common Sense campaign is designed to educate the public about the risks of trespassing on railroad property. The campaign includes an interactive website, internet ads, videos, and local events. It will be test-marketed in areas where pedestrian rail trespass incidents frequently occur, including targeted local markets. The internet ads, videos, safety tips, and other information are online at www.CommonSenseUseIt.com.
“Many Ohioans have no idea that walking or playing around train tracks, fishing from a railroad bridge, or riding their all-terrain vehicle on the tracks is potentially deadly, and always illegal,” said Shel Senek, State Coordinator, Ohio Operation Lifesaver. “Young adults also may be distracted by cell phones, texting, or listening to MP3 players and is especially dangerous if they’re near the tracks. This new public awareness campaign has a simple message: staying away from the tracks is common sense, and it can save your life.”
Injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property are a significant – and growing – problem. According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, the casualty rate for all rail trespassers rose in 2008. More than 870 Americans died or were injured in railroad-related trespassing incidents in 2008, and the numbers have topped 9,000 in the last ten years.
In Ohio, there were 12 pedestrian rail trespass deaths in 2008, versus 20 in 2007. An additional 14 people in the state were injured last year. Ohio is among those with the highest number of pedestrian rail trespass deaths nationwide.
Senek said Operation Lifesaver is working with the railroad industry and the Federal Railroad Administration to underscore the importance of avoiding train tracks, except at designated crossing areas. “Even the fastest human is no match for a 12,000-ton train. More than half of all trespassers struck by trains last year died; the second most common outcome is loss of a foot or leg,” he stated.
Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that 18 to 34-year-olds represent nearly 36 percent of all the rail-related pedestrian casualties that occurred last year.
Senek said special emphasis on trespass and railroad safety issues is on the agenda for a scheduled June 24th four hour training session with Ohio State Highway Patrol Cadets. Ken Gilsdorf, CSX Community Affairs and Safety Manager and Shel Senek will instruct the Patrol Cadets on pertinent issues affecting law enforcement officers when it pertains to trains, trespassers and motor vehicle drivers.
Railroad companies partnering with Operation Lifesaver’s Common Sense campaign include CSX, Union Pacific, Amtrak, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Kansas City Southern.