Saturday, April 27, 2013

Idaho 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

Please direct questions to the appropriate District Offices
District 1 (208) 209-8620 Fax (208) 209- 8618
District 2 (208) 799-5150



Press Release For Immediate Release Press Release

Idaho Operation Lifesaver
Officer On A Train and Adopt A Crossing

On Friday May 3, City, County and State Law Enforcement Officers will be conducting an Officer On A Train and Adopt A Crossing enforcement operation in Northern Idaho.

The purpose of this enforcement operation 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 the traffic laws that pertain 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.

During the Officer On A Train enforcement effort, one officer is placed in the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. This officer observes traffic approaching the highway rail intersections as the train proceeds down the tracks. Other officers pace the train or are parked at specific locations. When a motorist is observed violating the laws pertaining to the approaching intersection, the officer on the train radios one of the chase cars which stop the motorist, explain the dangers and issue a citation.

With the Adopt A Crossing approach, City, County and State Law Enforcement officers from throughout Northern Idaho will pick a crossing within their jurisdiction and enforce the laws that pertain to the crossing.

During 2012, there were 10 car train collisions resulting in 3 people injured and 2 fatalities. This year to date, there have been 5 car/train collisions reported, resulting in 1 fatality.

Since 1990, the Officer On A Train and Adopt A Crossing programs have been instrumental in helping reduce the number of car train collisions in the state. City, county state and federal law enforcement agencies, the Idaho Transportation Dept., private businesses and the railroads that operate in the state sponsor the Idaho Operation Lifesaver program.

Idaho Operation Lifesaver is dedicated to eliminating car train collisions, which result in preventable deaths and injuries. For additional information or to schedule a free presentation, call Idaho Operation Lifesaver @ 208-236-5626.


News Department Information Only
The Officer On A Train enforcement operation will be in Counties.
For Additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train contact:

Sgt. Jonelle Greear, Idaho State Police 208-660-0948

Kim Davids, Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-681-8357