Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Idaho State Police to Participate in Trooper on a Train Operation Tomorrow

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Teresa Baker
Public Information Officer
Headquarters
700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642
(208) 884-7122
Fax (208) 884-7087

For Immediate Release: 3/8/16 at 3:53 p.m.


MERIDIAN - The Idaho State Police will be conducting "Trooper on a Train" enforcement operation in cooperation with the Boise and Meridian Police Departments, Operation Lifesaver and other city and county law enforcement throughout the Treasure Valley on Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

"ISP continually participates in this important enforcement operation to raise awareness of the potential dangers that exist at railroad intersections. Our goal is to eliminate actions by drivers that can have tragic consequences," said Idaho State Police Sgt. Matt Smith. "Public awareness is vital component of these operations as we want the public to know that we are enforcing the traffic laws at rail crossings, so that they will always be more careful when crossing tracks."

During the "Trooper on a Train" enforcement effort, one trooper rides in the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. This trooper observes traffic approaching the rail intersections as the train proceeds down the tracks. Other law enforcement officers pace the train or are parked at specified locations. When a motorist is observed violating the laws pertaining to approaching a rail intersection, the trooper on the train radios the nearest patrol car, with the information. That officer will stop the motorist, explain the dangers and issue a citation, if warranted.

Thus far in 2016, there have been 5 vehicle/train collisions in Idaho including the death of a 26 year-old driver in Nampa a few weeks ago. In 2015 there were 9 vehicle/train collisions resulting in 2 fatalities. An additional 4 people were injured in pedestrian/train incidents involving trespassing on tracks.

The Idaho State Police and Idaho Operation Lifesaver are proud to partner in eliminating car/train collisions, which result in preventable deaths and injuries. Since 1990, enforcement programs such as "Trooper on a Train" and "Adopt a Crossing" have been instrumental in helping to reduce the number of car/train collisions in Idaho. State and federal transportation agencies, city, county and state law enforcement officers, along with the private business and the railroads that operate in Idaho sponsor the Idaho Operation Lifesaver program.


Media Information Only
The "Trooper on a Train" enforcement operation will be in Ada and Canyon counties. Media interviews will be available at the 3rd Street rail crossing in Meridian beginning at 7:30 a.m.

For additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train please contact:

Teresa Baker Idaho State Police 208-914-5728
Travis Campbell Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-412-2481


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