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Operation Lifesaver Conducts "Officer on the Train" Event

Bismarck, ND, May 27, 2009--Wednesday, May 27, BNSF Railroad, ND Highway Patrol and ND Operation Lifesaver will be conducting an "Officer on the Train" enforcement operation from Dilworth, MN to Williston, ND. The purpose of this event is to increase public awareness of the potential dangers that exist at highway-railroad grade crossings and eliminate driver's actions that can have tragic consequences, by enforcing the traffic laws that pertain to these intersections. This event also gives the troopers the train crew's perspective.

During the "Officer on the Train" event, one trooper is placed in the lead locomotive of the train as a spotter. This trooper observes traffic approaching the highway-rail grade crossings as the train proceeds down the tracks. Other troopers pace the train or are parked at specific locations along the tracks. When a motorist or pedestrian is observed violating the law, the trooper on the train radios one of the chase cars which stops the motorist, explains the dangers and issues a citation.

In North Dakota during 2008, there were 14 incidents at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights-of-way resulting in 10 people injured and 3 fatalities.

"Tragic deaths at highway-rail grade crossings are preventable. We want to provide drivers and pedestrians with the tools and knowledge they need to make wise decisions around tracks and trains," says Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator, Serena Schmit.

The agenda for the train is as follows and may be subject to change:
*Dilworth - 5:45 am
Sutton - 8:00 am
Selz - 9:15 am
*Minot - 10:30 am
*Stanley - 11:45 am
*Williston - 1:00 pm
*Representatives will be available for interviews

We need your help! Please help us spread the word about railroad safety so we can end these tragedies.

BISMARCK, ND, October 8, 2008-- Ending tragic collisions, deaths and injuries on the railroads is the mission of North Dakota Operation Lifesaver (NDOL), but they can't do it alone. NDOL is seeking passionate, dedicated volunteers to help spread the word to look, listen and live when crossing the railways.

"About every two hours in the U.S., someone in a motor vehicle or pedestrian walking on a track or railroad right-of-way, is struck by a train," said Serena Schmit, OLI coordinator for North Dakota. "These tragedies can be avoided."

NDOL educates North Dakota citizens about the dangers of our railways to help prevent any more tragedies from occurring in our state. They provide trained and certified speakers to give free presentations to people of all professions and age groups to help them make safe decisions around tracks and trains.

In order to spread their message, NDOL needs volunteers to train to be presenters in their communities. This is your opportunity to make a difference in your community and help save lives. Anyone who has seen the effects of a train collision or incident knows how scarring it can be. You can help prevent those situations. If the safety of your family and neighbors is important to you, contact your Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator, Serena Schmit, to find out how you can help.

Since OLI's inception, collisions at highway-rail grade crossings have dropped from more than 12,000 in 1972 to 2,900 last year, a 76 percent reduction, but challenges remain. Last year, there were 22 injuries or fatalities at rail crossings and tracks in North Dakota alone. Nationwide in 2004, there were 3,038 crossing collisions resulting in 368 fatalities and 1,064 injuries. An additional 483 pedestrians were killed and 396 injured while trespassing on railroad property.

To learn more about NDOL, how to become a presenter or to schedule a free NDOL presentation visit http://www.ndsc.org/operationlifesaver or contact your State Coordinator, Serena Schmit at 701.223.6372 or by email at SerenaS@ndsc.org.

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