Governor Eric Holcomb has declared September 23-29, 2018 as Indiana Rail Safety Week in conjunction with U.S. and Canada Rail Safety Week that will take place in all 50 states and Canadian provinces. Our goal is to increase rail safety awareness by working collaboratively on national rail safety week. Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, local law enforcement and railroad companies have partnered together to raise awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossing laws and trespassing on railroad property.
“Train versus vehicle collisions and trespasser deaths are completely preventable,” states Jessica Feder, Executive Director, Indiana Operation Lifesaver. “Indiana law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings and checking for trespassers during rail safety week. We want the public to know how important it is to pay attention at railroad crossings and that trespassing on railroad tracks and property is dangerous and illegal.”
Indiana Operation Lifesaver has scheduled numerous enforcement blitzes throughout the state involving law enforcement agencies. There will also be PSA’s throughout the state, safety information distributed at college campuses, booths at statewide festivals and events, social media campaigns, messages on the INDOT dynamic highway signs, first responder training, and See Tracks? Think Train! signs at crossings where multiple train versus vehicle collisions have occurred. Indiana Operation Lifesaver is taking a proactive lead in the elimination of crossing collisions and trespasser fatalities.
In 2017, there were 101 railroad crossing collisions resulting in 47 people injured and 12 fatalities in the state of Indiana. Indiana is currently ranked 6th nationally for railroad crossing collisions. The Hoosier State had 10 trespasser deaths last year as well as 9 injuries.
“Our goal is to keep Hoosiers safe at crossings and near train tracks,” said Jessica Feder. “We encourage everyone to make safe decisions and pay attention at all railroad crossings and near railroad property. It could save your life!”
Indiana Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade intersections and on railroad rights-of-way through public education, engineering and enforcement. To learn more about Indiana Operation Lifesaver, please visit us online at www.oli.org or call 812-528-4327.