Tuesday, October 30, 2012

OFFICER ON A TRAIN

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

On November 2, 2012, City, County and State Law Enforcement Officers will be conducting an "Officer On A Train" and "Adopt A Crossing" enforcement operation in Southeast 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 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 Southeast Idaho pick a crossing within their jurisdiction and enforce the laws that pertain to the crossing.

During 2012, there have been 16 car train collisions resulting in 3 people injured and 2 fatalities.

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" enforcement operation will be in Bannock, Bingham and Bonneville Counties between 8 am and 6 pm. (Space is limited on the train, press personnel will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis.)
For additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train contact the following
Lt. Chris Weadick, Idaho State Police 208-525-7377
Kim Davids, Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-236-5626