Gov. Pence announces ‘Rail Safety Week’

Gov. Mike Pence has declared Aug. 25-31 “Rail Safety Week.” Indiana Operation Lifesaver, which aims to reduce deaths and injuries at railroad crossings, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation,law enforcement and railroad companies have organized to raise public awareness of railroad safety.

Indiana ranks fourth in the number of railroad crossing collisions throughout the country, according to a press release.

“Every collision between a vehicle or person and a train is preventable,” Executive Director of Indiana Operation Lifesaver Jessica Feder said in the press release. “Indiana law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings during Indiana Rail Safety Week. The laws about obeying railroad traffic control signals as well as the laws pertaining to pedestrians trespassing on railroad rights-of-way will be strictly enforced.”

During 2012 there were 106 railroad crossing collisions in Indiana, which resulted in 38 injuries and 17 fatalities, according to the release.

“We are constantly striving to improve the railroad crossings in Indiana,” Feder said.
“However, more than 75 percent of the collisions at these public crossings occur where active warning devices, such as flashing lights and gates, exist. We encourage everyone to take these warning devices seriously and pay attention at all railroad crossings.”

— Sydney Murray