Operation Lifesaver Inc. President Joyce Rose said Tuesday, June 3, 2014 that she and Operation Lifesaver USA are "proud to observe the sixth annual International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), bringing worldwide attention to the important issue of safety at crossings."
Operation Lifesaver programs and partners are holding events across the nation in conjunction with ILCAD, noted Rose (in photo at left).
Of particular interest this year, said Rose, was Operation Lifesaver's focus on professional drivers, "because approximately one in four crossing collisions in the USA includes a vehicle driven by professional drivers. Our safety tips and materials specifically created for these drivers help them to make every railroad crossing a safe one."
OLI says vehicle-train collisions and deaths at railroad crossings rose in 2013, as did pedestrian-rail trespass deaths and injuries. "Our new See Tracks? Think Train! safety education campaign www.seetracksthinktrain.org was created to encourage drivers and pedestrians to make safety an automatic habit near train tracks, " Rose said.
"We are gratified that more countries around the world are joining in the ILCAD celebration each year," she added. "Our combined efforts will continue to make a difference, and save lives."
Amtrak and the Association of American Railroads have joined OLI in heightening awareness of the importance of railroad crossing safety. Amtrak's Chief Safety Officer is a member of the OLI board of directors. “In support of OLI's mission and its current safety campaign of See Tracks? Think Train! 17 Amtrak stations around the country broadcast the organization’s ‘It’s No Contest’ public service announcement to deter trespassing on railroad tracks,” Amtrak said.