Posted on 09/29/2017 8:44:30 AM PDT by SandRat
PHOENIX — There is a big push this week to help citizens recognize the dangers of railroad crossings and what they should do to stay safe. Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Tom Forese, Operation Lifesaver, and railroad safety experts held a press conference this morning kicking off “National Rail Safety Week.” Governor Doug Ducey also issued a proclamation making Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 “Arizona Rail Safety Week.”
“As governor, public safety is my top priority,” said Gov. Doug Ducey. “When we can draw attention to railroad safety, we can empower our residents to protect themselves and raise awareness within their communities to avoid what are preventable accidents.”
Five Valley railroad crossings have been designated among the top 15 most dangerous in the country by the Federal Highway Administration. Construction on the improvements, ordered by the Commission, started earlier this month at the 35th Avenue and Indian School crossing.
“Safety is more than a two-way street,” said Chairman Tom Forese. “These crossings are priorities with the commission. We are committed to working with the municipalities and other state agencies to create the safest conditions possible at those crossings and throughout the state. I want to thank the governor, Operation Lifesaver, and our staff for their work in reminding us of safety measures that we may overlook and bringing them to the forefront of our minds.”
Statewide, three people were killed and another 25 were injured in vehicle crashes in 2016. There were also 37 pedestrian incidents resulting in 16 deaths.
“Each year around 3,000 Americans are involved in train incidents,” said Doug Farler, with Operation Lifesaver. “That's one every three hours. When commuters and light rail collisions are added, the numbers grow even larger, with trespass fatalities increasing nationwide. Please join us to help reduce rail collisions and fatalities. Pay attention when crossing or near railroad tracks of all kinds. Never trespass on railroad property.”
The Arizona Corporation Commission’s Railroad Safety Section has eight inspectors who inspect railroad operations statewide. Each has a designated practice: mechanical equipment, tracks, hazardous materials, operating practices, and signals. They investigate accidents and work with communities and local government to proactively determine where safety upgrades are needed. For more information about railroad safety contact the commission’s Railroad Safety Section at 602-262-5601, go to the website azcc.gov or contact Operation Lifesaver at azol.org.
Funny, but I calculate it to be one about every five hours.
I work in the rail industry, and have had to take part in investigations that involved fatalities.
Needless to say, I have a little advice for people:
Don’t play chicken with a train, you will lose. And if you see a train coming, stay the hell out of its way.
Get McLame out there to walk the tracks!
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