Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) has launched a new campaign to reduce fatalities around railroad tracks. The "See Tracks? Think Train!" campaign highlights common risks that pedestrians and drivers take, such as trying to beat a train at a grade crossing and walking on railroad tracks. According to OLI's Joyce Rose, people often don't realize how dangerous it is to walk on or near tracks, or how long it takes a freight train to stop. A fully loaded train can take a mile or more to completely stop, making it extremely difficult for train engineers to avoid a collision."Every day someone's risky behavior around railroad tracks gets them injured or killed," says OLI's Joyce Rose. "Our goal with this campaign is to make people think twice before doing something risky or unsafe."
Federal Railroad Administration data show 908 pedestrians injured or killed while walking on or near railroad tracks last year--an increase of more than 7% over the previous year. Another 1,193 people were injured or killed at railroad grade crossings, which is a 1.5% increase over the previous year.
"Transit ridership on trains, light rail and streetcars are at their highest levels since the 1950s," says Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan. "That growth carries with it a safety challenge, especially in this day and age of constant electronic distraction."
