Operation Lifesaver remains a key safety partner as America's freight and passenger railways grow

"The charge is clear: We know we're heading in the right direction on rail safety, but we must do better."

Those were the words of Deputy Secretary John Porcari yesterday at the biennial Operation Lifesaver Symposium.

Operation Lifesaver has been one of our staunchest allies in the fight to raise public awareness about rail safety. For nearly four decades, this group has been educating people about the dangers of rail crossings and railroad rights-of-way. And DOT has been proud to support their work.

At the symposium, Deputy Secretary Porcari commended Operation Lifesaver for the great work they’ve done, and he offered particular thanks for their participation in our campaign against distracted driving throughout the transportation industry.

But he also had this key message:

“Today, the United States is making historic investments to enhance and expand passenger and freight rail systems across the nation. As rail traffic--and rail speeds--increase, so, too, will the risks to track workers, inspectors, signalmen, and the citizens who live and work near grade crossings and other rail infrastructure. We must all redouble our efforts to find new ways to make rail transportation even safer."

The Deputy Secretary highlighted three critical areas where Operation Lifesaver can continue to make a difference:

• Continuing to educate motorists on how to safely navigate grade crossings, avoid distractions, and recognize the added risks arising from an increase in train traffic;
• Working even more closely with state and local leaders and law enforcement agencies to advocate for consistent enforcement of traffic safety laws and court-imposed penalties on violators who trespass on private rail property; and
• Supporting engineering improvements, such as the addition of flashing lights and gates at highway-rail crossings, warning systems, and better signage.

A video from Indiana's News Center demonstrates the valuable work of Operation Lifesaver

When Operation Lifesaver opened its doors in 1972, there were more than 12,000 collisions between trains and motor vehicles annually. By 2009, that number was down to about 1,900, and we owe Operation Lifesaver our gratitude for their role in that dramatic reduction.

Now, as the Obama Administration expands our nation’s railways, we must work together to keep that number down or get it even lower. DOT and safety partners like Operation Lifesaver will continue to make the rail industry--and all forms of transportation--safer for generations to come.

Comments

[HP Bryce]

This is a good program, but like any program where lives are at stake the job is never done.

[Peter Smith]

I would like trains to be equipped with exterior protection for pedestrians -- basically, an exterior air bag-type device, like they're testing for cars in Europe. Air bags really belong on the _outside_ of cars, not on the inside -- the people inside cars are already protected enough -- it's the people that drivers hit -- the folks outside the cars -- that need the protection.

maybe a cowcatcher-type device with cushioning would work fine.

[Michael E. Bailey]

Operation Lifesavor is doing a great job in educating drivers and pedestrians on the dangers of walking on or driving over the train tracks when a train is coming. A train needs a long distance to come to a full stop and as peeds increase the stopping distance needed will also increase. Operation Lifesavor will be most important in improving safety at rural and less requently used rail crossings. With major crossings, more cities and counties should be like Orange County is doing now and build underpasses or overpasses to completely separate vehicles from trains. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.