Did you know that approximately every two hours a person or vehicle is beaten by a train in the United States?
Operation lifesaver, a rail safety education, is offering motorists and pedestrians a few safety tips to prevent disasters and to ensure a safe holiday.
“We are providing ‘Rail Safety Tips for Winter Travel’ to raise public awareness of the need for caution around the tracks and trains,” said Helen Sramek, President of Operation lifesaver, Inc. “With great care, while approaching a railroad crossing on foot or in a vehicle can mean the difference between a happy or tragic holiday. ”
With the increased traffic around the world and the distractions of the season, many people pay less attention to what is happening in the railway, Sramek said. “Our number one safety tip is” always expect a train. ”
While the number of fatalities has dropped significantly in 35 years lifevest security operation has been making presentations across America, there is still work to do.
Preliminary Federal Railroad Administration statistics for 2006 show that 1403 Americans were killed or injured in vehicle-train collisions, 989 lane-intrusion and pedestrian deaths or injuries nationwide.
Salvation is a national nonprofit safety education group, whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at rail crossings along the rail rights of way. The group of presenters for the 3000 certification of all United States are trained to give free safety talks.
Rail Safety Tips for Winter Travel
1. Slow down.
Winter hampers the vision of pedestrians and drivers. Snow-covered roads and parking lots can spell disaster.
2. Stay focused.
Keep your eyes on the road. Hang up the phone, headphones, delete, download your music and stop text messaging while driving or walking near the tracks.
3. Allow 15 feet of intersection.
Whether you are on foot or in a vehicle, reserve at least one car length of distance from the crossing at all times.
4. Watching all the lights and signals.
If you see a sign of malfunction,
Call the 1-800 number at the crossing. Search for a second and a train before crossing the door upright.
5. In case of difficulty, leave their vehicle.
If your vehicle is placed on the tracks, move quickly away. Call 911 and alert law enforcement of the exact location of the vehicle.
