(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, June 6, 2012)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a video message marking the June 7 observance of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD, http://bit.ly/mESlkU), Helen M. Sramek, president, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI, www.oli.org) cited the continuing importance of rail safety education to saving lives. Statistics show that, although U.S. highway-rail grade crossing incidents declined in 2011, deaths and injuries from these collisions increased.
See the video online at http://bit.ly/MAoMTB.
“Operation Lifesaver USA is pleased to join its partner countries around the world for the 2012 observance of International Level Crossing Awareness Day. Educating the public to remain safe at the crossing or on and around tracks is a mission that unites us all,” notes Sramek. “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of OL, we are pleased to report an 80% decline in vehicle-train collisions. We will not be satisfied until we push that number to zero,” Sramek concludes.
In the United States there were 1,966 vehicle-train collisions in 2011, according to preliminary Federal Railroad Administration statistics, versus 2,018 in 2010. Crossing collisions resulted in 265 deaths and 988 injuries last year, up from 257 deaths and 867 injuries in 2010.
Operation Lifesaver state program leaders and safety partners from the railroad industry, state government agencies, local law enforcement, communities and other groups are participating in activities throughout this week in 15 states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas – in conjunction with ILCAD. Events include crossing blitzes, special trains, positive enforcement exercises, outreach to professional truck drivers, safety presentations, press conferences, television appearances, advertising and social media activities.
This year, 42 countries worldwide are holding events in observance of ILCAD. Learn more at http://bit.ly/mESlkU.
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver’s mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way. A national network of volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety. For more safety tips or to request a free safety presentation, visit www.oli.org. Follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
About International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)
International Level Crossing Awareness Day began in 2009 in Europe to call attention to the need for public education on railway safety issues as a way to save lives. On June 7, an international conference will take place in Paris, France, featuring international rail and road safety leaders, behavioral experts and those involved in prevention. The event will be broadcast live around the world at http://www.securite-passageaniveau.fr/. A press conference will be held prior to this event. More information, videos and resources are available at http://bit.ly/M4iDc9.