(The following story by Christy Mullins appeared on The Herald website on May 20, 2009.)
ROCK HILL, S.C. — Tuesday was a “simple reminder” for Rock Hill drivers that the railroads they cross every day can be deadly.
Rock Hill Police, Norfolk Southern Railroad police and S.C. Operation Lifesaver partnered Tuesday afternoon to pass out railroad safety fliers to drivers at Main Street and Dave Lyle Boulevard.
The crew of about six advised drivers to never dodge trains by going around lowered gates, an illegal and dangerous move. They noted that drivers should never race trains and that they should always look out for a second train. Because trains don’t operate on set schedules, they told drivers to expect trains at any time.
Officers also reminded drivers that trains cannot make abrupt stops.
“We often remind people that train crews are the hidden victims in these deadly crashes,” said Janice Cowen, state coordinator for S.C. Operation Lifesaver. “They can’t swerve and they can’t stop quickly.”
At 55 mph, it can take a train a full mile and a half to stop completely, compared with a distance of around 200 feet for a car to stop at the same speed. Because of the difference, Cowen says it’s easier for cars to prevent railroad crashes.
Cowen has been working with Operation Lifesafer for 18 years and has a personal connection to railroad safety.
Her mother, Ann, was thrown from the back seat of a car in a train crash after her high school senior year picnic. Ann suffered a concussion and attended her prom and high school graduation wearing a back brace — the same back brace Janice Cowen played dress-up with in her grandmother’s attic as a child.
Cowen wants to prevent these injuries, and in some cases death, from happening on South Carolina railroads.
Last year, six people were killed and 17 were seriously injured at South Carolinarailroad crossings, according to the Federal Railroad Association. Cowen said many railroad accidents can be prevented.
“People are complacent about railroads,” Cowen said. “Here in Rock Hill, where there are many railroads, it’s easy to get used to them day in and day out.”
Tuesday’s efforts aimed to make Rock Hill drivers aware of their surroundings.
Rock Hill Police Lt. Brad Redfearn said the operation was a success.
“It was a time for us to partner with another agency and educate the public on safety,” Redfearn said. “Several people stopped and said thank you.”