Sunday, March 7, 2010

Idaho Operation Lifesaver, Officer on a Train and Adopt a Crossing

Press Release March 8, 2010 Press Release

Idaho Operation Lifesaver
�Officer On A Train� and �Adopt A Crossing�

On Tuesday March 9, 2010, City, County and State Law Enforcement Officers will be conducting an �Officer On A Train� and �Adopt A Crossing� enforcement operation.

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 a highway rail intersection, the officer on the train radios one of the chase cars which stops the motorist, explains the dangers and issues 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.

In 2009, there were 10 collisions resulting in 4 people injured and no fatalities, compared to 18 collisions, 6 people injured and 2 fatalities during 2008. Four pedestrians where also hit by trains while trespassing on railroad property in 2009 resulting in 3 fatalities and 1 seriously injured. This year to date, there have been 4 crashes at highway rail intersections.

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 and State law enforcement, State and Federal agencies, along with the private business 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� run will be in Kootenai County
For Additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train contact
Sgt Jonelle Greear, Idaho State Police 208-661-9744 or
Chris Arvas, Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-705-5626