New California Public Awareness Campaign Aims to Reduce Train-Related Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California leads the nation in pedestrian-train fatalities and in the past 12 months, the Bay Area has experienced an upward trend in deadly train incidents.  In an effort to reduce the number of pedestrians who are killed and injured when trespassing around tracks and trains, Amtrak (www.amtrak.com), Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI, www.oli.org), California's transportation agencies and major freight railroad companies today announced the launch of the Common Sense rail safety campaign (www.commonsenseuseit.com). The campaign is focused on 18- to 34-year-olds, who make up more than a third of all railroad-related pedestrian casualties.

Injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property are a significant -- and growing -- problem. According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, the casualty rate for all rail trespassers rose in 2008 (the latest full year for which there is statistics). More than 880 Americans died or were injured in railroad-related trespassing incidents in 2008, and the numbers have topped 9,000 in the last ten years. In 2008 California had 60 train-pedestrian fatalities and 48 injuries. Through the first 11 months of 2009, preliminary figures show, 56 California pedestrians were killed in train-related incidents, compared with 53 deaths in the same period for 2008.

The Common Sense campaign kicked off with a news conference at Amtrak's Oakland maintenance facility, with remarks by Pete Aadland, Operation Lifesaver state coordinator; Captain James Martino, Amtrak Police; Robin Potter, the Fresno mother of a 15-year-old who died in 2008 playing on the tracks; and David White, partner, Exit 10 Advertising. The campaign is sponsored in California by Amtrak and Operation Lifesaver, Inc., and is supported by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Caltrain, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway.

"Our goal for this campaign is to save lives by letting people know that walking or playing around train tracks or using railroad tracks as a shortcut is potentially deadly and always illegal," said Helen M. Sramek, president of Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

"Pedestrian injuries and fatalities on railroad tracks are preventable," said William D. Bronte, Division Chief, Caltrans Division of Rail. "People don't often understand the impact of these incidents on train crews. We are pleased to work with Operation Lifesaver, California's rail agencies and our industry colleagues in this important effort."

Roy Deitchman, vice president, environmental health and safety for Amtrak said, "Individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and the Common Sense message does just that.  Through this public-private safety partnership, the Common Sense campaign will raise public awareness and understanding about the risk of trespassing."

"My son Shawn lost his life because he thought he could outrun a train. Teenagers and young adults also may be distracted by cell phones, texting, listening to iPods or other MP3 players if they're near the tracks. This new public awareness campaign has a simple message: staying away from the tracks is common sense, and it can save your life," said Potter.

Common Sense Safety Tips for Pedestrians

1. Cross safely!  The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing -- designated by the crossbuck.  Look both ways and listen before crossing train tracks.  Expect a train at any time.
2. Don't be distracted. Turn your cell phone and iPod or other MP3 players off when you're near train tracks; texting also can be a deadly distraction near the tracks.  Trains are quieter than you think, go faster than they appear, and do not run on set schedules.
3. Never race a train.  If you see a train coming, don't try to 'beat' it, stay off the tracks. Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
4. Avoid trespassing.  Tracks, trestles and train yards are all private property.  For your safety, avoid hanging out or socializing near rail property; rail property is no place for pedestrians.
5. Remember: Rails and recreation don't mix!   Never walk, bike, jog, or run down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a person or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.

About the Common Sense Campaign

The Common Sense campaign is designed to educate the public about the risks of trespassing on railroad property. The campaign includes an interactive website, internet ads, and public service announcements. The internet ads, videos, safety tips, and other information are online at www.CommonSenseUseIt.com.

About Amtrak

As the nation's intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company's history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day -- at speeds up to 150 mph -- to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a national, non-profit safety education group whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights of way. Operation Lifesaver has programs in all 50 states, with trained and certified presenters who give free safety talks to community groups, schools, school bus drivers, truck drivers and community organizations to raise awareness of the need for caution around railroad tracks and trains. More information, including safety tips and how to schedule a free safety presentation in your community, can be found at www.oli.org, or visit California Operation Lifesaver's website at http://www.caol.us/.

SOURCE Operation Lifesaver, Inc.