September 23-29 is known throughout the U.S. and Canada as Safe Rails Week.
It’s part of a week-long effort to increase rail safety awareness.
Governor Holcomb has declared it Indiana Rail Safety Week throughout the state, and the City of Warsaw is supporting the initiative.
Mayor Joe Thallemer says its especially important here as railroad tracks are a part of every day life for Warsaw residents.
“It just underscores the importance of obeying the traffic signals, the no parking in [prohibited] areas, and not parking on the rails when you’re waiting for a light to change,” he tells News Now Warsaw’s IN the Know.
“Train versus vehicle collisions and trespasser deaths are completely preventable,” says 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!”
You can get more rail safety tips straight from the officials at Warsaw.IN.Gov.
