In the U.S., about every three hours a person or vehicle is hit by a train, often with tragic results. In fact, roughly 95 percent of all rail-related fatalities involve a driver going through a crossing or a person trespassing on the tracks.

In Minnesota, 39 percent of the over 4,000 public at-grade railroad crossings are equipped with some type of active warning device. Active warning devices include gates, bells and/or flashing lights and are tools drivers and pedestrians alike can use to help us make safer decisions before crossing the tracks. Unfortunately, over the past year alone 77 percent of crashes in Minnesota were at crossings equipped with active warning devices or stop signs.

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce the number of preventable tragedies around tracks and trains by providing education and raising awareness. We are a nationwide network of authorized volunteers who work to educate the public about rail safety. Minnesota Operation Lifesaver specifically, provides free safety education programs and promotes rail safety awareness through our See Tracks? Think Train! campaign and beyond.

Although nationwide collisions between vehicles and trains have decreased by over 80 percent since Operation Lifesaver began in 1972, our message and efforts are as important now as ever. Whether crossbuck, yield, stop sign or fully equipped with active warning devices, it is our responsibility as drivers and pedestrians to yield the right of way to trains at crossings — the lives of over 2,000 people who are either killed or seriously injured each year are at stake. These collisions impact communities, train crews and first responders, in addition to families.

Top crash factors:

• Failure to yield right of way

• Disregard of traffic control device

• Improper turn

• Distractions

• Complacency

Those of us involved in Operation Lifesaver believe education is key to preventing these tragedies. We also know we cannot raise awareness without the support of the communities we serve. We would urge any groups, classrooms, individuals or companies in the area to check out Operation Lifesaver Inc.’s. website at http://oli.org for helpful tips, resources, sample lesson plans and more. Our state coordinator can also be contacted at mnoperationlifesaver@gmail.com or 651-328-3259 to set up free presentations or request our participation in events to help share our safety message with your group or the community.

Top 5 safety tips at railroad crossings:

• Trains can run on any track, at any time, from either direction.

• Don’t ever assume train tracks are abandoned. Always expect a train.

• Never try to beat a train to the crossing. No event is worth risking your life.

• It can take a train over a mile to stop — the length of 18 football fields.

• Because of their size, trains can appear to be much further away and traveling much more slowly than they actually are.

• And remember — walking, driving or otherwise being on, or even near, railroad tracks/railroad property is not only dangerous, but also illegal!

 

Leland Johnson

authorized volunteer

Minnesota Operation Lifesaver