Monday, October 24, 2011

Operation Lifesaver

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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Idaho State Police
Regional Communication Center - North
615 W Wilbur Ave
Suite A
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83815
(208) 209-8620 FAX: (208) 209-8619

Press Release October 24, 2011 Press Release

Idaho Operation Lifesaver Enforcement Program
Officer on a Train

On Thursday October 27th, City, County and State law enforcement officers will be conducting an "Officer on a Train" enforcement operation.

During the "Officer on a Train"; enforcement runs, one officer is placed on the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. This officer observes traffic approaching highway-railroad intersections as the train proceeds down the tracks. Other officers pace the train or are parked at specific intersections. When a motorist is observed violating the laws pertaining to highway-rail intersections, the officer on the train radios one of the chase cars, which stops the motorist and issues a citation.

The purpose of this enforcement effort is to increase public awareness of the potential dangers that exist at highway - railroad intersections, and eliminate driver actions that can have tragic consequences, by enforcing traffic laws pertaining to these intersections. The enforcement program is one of three parts of the Operation Lifesaver effort, which include engineering and education, designed to eliminate car train collisions.

In 2010, Idaho experienced 16 car train collisions resulting in 1 fatality and 4 people injured. This year there have been 10 car/train collisions resulting in 2 people injured and 2 fatalities. There have also been 2 pedestrian fatalities.

The "Officer on a Train" enforcement effort is conducted using freight trains, special passenger trains, and helpers which usually consist of two engines. Since 1990, the "Officer on a Train" program has expanded statewide, involving city, county and state law enforcement agencies, and all of the railroads in the state. This program has been highly instrumental in the reduction of car - train collisions in Idaho.

News Department Information Only
This Enforcement effort will be conducted between 6 am and 5 pm.
For additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train during this enforcement exercise, contact:

Kim Davids, Idaho Operation Lifesaver, (208-236-5626 or 208-681-8357)