(Operation Lifesaver issued the following on September 20, 2010.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Distraction is not only a rising safety concern for drivers, but it also contributes to pedestrian deaths and injuries around train tracks, according to Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI, www.oli.org), the national, nonprofit railroad safety education organization. OLI President Helen M. Sramek noted that nine out of 10 train-related deaths result from collisions between vehicles and trains or pedestrians and trains.
“The explosive growth of cell phones, portable music players and web-enabled devices mean that people have more distractions today than ever before, whether in cars or on foot,” said Sramek, who is attending U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s second distraction summit in Washington September 21. “OLI has increased its pedestrian safety education efforts with our common sense campaign (www.commonsenseuseit.com) and public service announcements warning against distraction by both drivers and pedestrians around train tracks,” she added.
Sramek offered five safety tips so that distraction won’t lead to disaster:
1. Turn off your cell phone or MP3 player or put it away when approaching a railroad or light rail crossing on foot or in a vehicle. Trains are quieter than you think and go faster than they appear.
2. Avoid multiple distractions while driving – multitasking can have deadly consequences at highway-rail intersections, too. Watch for advance warning signs and look for oncoming trains approaching from either direction.
3. Don’t let your car get trapped. Because of their size, trains can take up to a mile or more to stop. Only proceed through a railroad crossing if there is enough room for your vehicle to clear the tracks completely on the other side.
4. Stay off the tracks. Trestles and train tunnels have just enough room for a train; using train tracks as a shortcut or walking path could seriously injure or kill you.
5. Around train tracks, stay focused to stay alive!
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 information or to request a free safety presentation, visit www.oli.org.