Media advisory: Officer on the train - media opportunity, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018

OFFICERS RIDE THE RAILS TO CATCH MOTORISTS VIOLATING GRADE CROSSING LAWS

WHAT: "Officer on the Train" program designed to identify and contact unsafe motorists who attempt to beat the train and violate Idaho grade crossing laws.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct 4, 2018 7:30 in Meridian / 12:45-1:00 p.m.in Nampa - Press Briefing

WHERE: 3rd Street railroad crossing Meridian at 0730 / 1313 1st St North Nampa railroad depot at 1245

WHO: The "Officer on the Train" program is sponsored by Boise Valley Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, Idaho State Police, Idaho Operation Lifesaver, as well as, Boise Police, Meridian Police and Nampa Police, as well as county agencies in those areas. The briefing will include: Travis Campbell state coordinator for Idaho Operation Lifesaver and officers from the agencies involved.

WHY: 2017 Idaho had 15 incidents and 4 resulted in fatal injuries. 5 incidents have happened in 2018 with one resulting in a fatal injury. An incident happens about every three hours between a train and a motorist/pedestrian. We would like to change motorists' behavior and ultimately save lives.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: There is an opportunity for the media representatives to ride in the locomotive cab. If motorists violate the law by ignoring the signals, you may be able to obtain video of officers issuing citations to drivers. If your station wants a time slot riding in the cab of the locomotive, you must make arrangements ASAP. It will be first come first serve.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Idaho State Police and Local Agencies, Idaho Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Travis Campbell

CONTACT: Travis D Campbell 208-412-2481
State Coordinator, Idaho Operation Lifesaver

Timothy Marsano, ISP PIO, 208-884-7122

###