DO NOT REPLY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 3 Patrol 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian, ID 83642
For Immediate Release: 10/02/20 1:10 p.m.
Please direct questions to the ISP Public Affairs Office isppio@isp.idaho.gov
Idaho State Police Troopers and Officers from the Meridian and Nampa Police Departments worked together yesterday on Operation Lifesaver, an effort to prevent collisions and save lives at railroad crossings.
Operation Lifesaver puts troopers inside a locomotive. When a trooper witnesses a vehicle failing to stop for the train or crossing the tracks when it's not safe to do so, they radio a nearby officer who can stop the vehicle and discuss the violation with the driver.
Results of Operation Lifesaver Thursday, October 1, 2020:
- Approximately six hours of enforcement;
- Rail crossings in Ada and Canyon Counties;
- 86 vehicles stopped by Officers or Troopers;
- 21 drivers received citations;
- $90 - the fine for violating Idaho's railroad crossing laws.
"Drivers that received citations were the most flagrant violators, the drivers who really cut it close," said Idaho State Police Sgt. Jens Pattis. "Our hope is the citations remind these drivers to be safe in the future. Troopers see the result when car-train collisions occur. We want to prevent having to notify another family that they've lost a loved one."
"Operation Lifesaver is about preventing tragedies. We know this operation educates drivers and keep families together. That's why Nampa Police participate." said Sgt. Tim Riha with the Nampa Police Department.
Troopers and officers want to thank the majority of drivers who play it safe at rail crossings.
"The violations were easy to see because they were not the norm, and that's a good thing. We saw a lot of drivers stop and wait for the train to pass. Those drivers should know, we appreciate their attention. Their patience kept them and others safe." Said Sgt Pattis.
Union Pacific and Boise Valley Railroad also partnered with law enforcement in this week's Operation Lifesaver. Train operators say they too feel the trauma when collisions occur and appreciate being part of efforts that educate drivers and save lives.
Why Operation Lifesaver?
Six Car vs. Train Collisions in Southern & Eastern Idaho this year:
Idaho State Police have responded to six incidents in 2020 involving collisions at train crossings. 4 of the 6 incidents resulted in injuries, including 1 fatality on July 7 in Fort Hall.
Driver Safety Tips for Rail Crossings:
- The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think.
- Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
- Never drive around lowered gates - it's illegal and deadly.
- Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
- If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.
- At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
- When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
- ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
About Idaho Operation Lifesaver:
The Idaho Operation Lifesaver effort relies on three areas to eliminate vehicle collisions with trains; engineering, education, and enforcement. Drivers are encouraged to know what railway signs, signals, and devices at the crossings mean. Programs like Officer on a Train help with both education and enforcement.
Since 1990, the Officer on a Train program has been instrumental in helping reduce the number of car-train collisions throughout Idaho.
- In 2000, according to Idaho Operation Lifesaver, there were 33 incidents at Idaho highway-rail crossings, with ten fatalities.
- In 2015, 12 incidents were reported with two fatalities.
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.
