Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Idaho State Police to Participate in "Officer on a Train" Operation Monday, March 14th

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: 3/10/16 at 2:35 p.m.

IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho State Police will be participating in "Officer on a Train" enforcement operation in cooperation with the Eastern Idaho Railroad, Idaho Operation Lifesaver, as well as, city and county agencies throughout eastern Idaho on Monday, March 14, 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 Lt. Chris Weadick. "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 "Officer on a Train" enforcement effort, one officer rides in the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. This officer 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 officer 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 in February. In 2015 there were 9 vehicle/train collisions resulting in 2 fatalities and 4 people 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 "Officer 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 "Officer on a Train" enforcement operation will be in Bannock, Bingham and Bonneville counties. Media interviews will be available at 300 South Harrison Ave., Pocatello beginning at 7:00 a.m.

There is an opportunity for the media representatives to ride in the locomotive cab to observe motorist behaviors. If your station wants a timeslot riding in the cab of the locomotive, please contact a representative listed below before Thursday, March 10th. It will be first come first serve after this date.

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

Chris Arvas Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-705-5626
Lt. Chris Weadick Idaho State Police 208-525-7377





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