Did you know that in the United States, a train strikes a person or vehicle approximately every two hour?

Operation Lifesaver offers pedestrians and motorists safety tips to help prevent accidents and make sure they have safe holidays.

“We’re providing ‘Rail Safety Tips for Winter Travel’ to raise public awareness about the need for caution around tracks and trains,”Helen Sramek, president, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. “Taking extra care while approaching a railroad crossing on foot or in a vehicle could mean the difference between a joyous or a tragic holiday.”

Sramek pointed out that train tracks will see less attention because of increased traffic and distractions throughout the season. “Our number-one safety tip is ‘Always expect a train.'”

Despite the fact that the number of fatalities has decreased significantly over the 35 years Operation Lifesaver’s safety presentations have been made across America, there are still many things to do. Preliminary Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that 1,403 Americans died or were injured in vehicle-train collisions in 2006. 989 pedestrian-rail trespass injuries or deaths occurred across the country.

Operation Lifesaver (a national non-profit safety education group) aims to prevent railroad crossing injuries and deaths. Each of the 3,000 certified presenters in the United States have been trained to give safety talks for free.

Rail Safety Tips

Winter Travel

1. Slow down. Winter weather can cause vision problems for drivers and pedestrians. Parking lots and roads that are snow covered can be a disaster.

2. Keep your eyes on the road. Keep your eyes fixed on the road. Get off your phone, take your earphones out, and turn down the music.

3. You should stop 15 feet away from the crossing. Keep at least one vehicle-length from the crossing whether you are walking or driving.

4. Pay attention to all signals and lights.

If a signal seems to go out,

The crossing has a 1-800 number. Before crossing, make sure you check for a second train or an upright gate.

5. Get out of your car if you are stuck. Move quickly if your vehicle stops on the tracks. You can call 911 and inform law enforcement of the exact location.

Check out the complete list “Rail Safety Tips for Winter Travel”You can find them at www.oli.orgPlease call. To schedule a safety presentation, call 1-800-537-6224