The Indiana Rail Road (INRD) is participating in Indiana Rail Safety Week, which runs the week of Aug. 23-29, by partnering with the Terre Haute Police Department and Indiana Operation Lifesaver for a grade crossing safety “blitz.”
INRD employees and Terre Haute police will present railroad grade crossing safety materials to passing motorists at the Margaret Avenue crossing just east of Erie Canal Road the morning of Aug. 26. Materials will include items for children such as coloring books. “The Indiana Rail Road’s grade crossing blitz, along with all of Indiana Rail Safety Week, are designed to proactively remind the public of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property, and to always be on the lookout for a train at grade (road) crossings,” said INRD.
Indiana Operation Lifesaver is taking the lead in promoting Indiana Rail Safety Week with support from the Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, local law enforcement and railroads. “Train vs. car collisions are completely preventable,” said Jessica Feder, Executive Director of Indiana Operation Lifesaver. “Indiana law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings and checking for trespassers during Indiana Rail Safety Week. We want the public to know how dangerous it is to try and beat a train and that trespassing on railroad tracks and property is dangerous and illegal.”
Indiana Governor Mike Pence designated Aug. 23-29 as Indiana Rail Safety Week.