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Virginia Operation Lifesaver Launches Public Awareness CampaignTo Reduce Train-Related Pedestrian Deaths and InjuriesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Melvin C. Jones, va-operation-lifesaver@att.net Petersburg,VA, June 24, 2009 – Reducing the number of pedestrians in VA who are killed and injured around tracks and trains – especially 18 to 34-year-olds, who make up the largest percentage of these casualties – is the goal of a new safety campaign by the nonprofit group Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org or www.VA-OL.org ), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and major railroad companies. 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, videos, and local events. It will be test-marketed in areas where pedestrian rail trespass incidents frequently occur, including targeted local markets. The internet ads, videos, safety tips, and other information are online at www.CommonSenseUseIt.com. “Many Virginians have no idea that walking or playing around train tracks, fishing from a railroad bridge, or riding their all-terrain vehicle on the tracks is potentially deadly, and always illegal,” said Melvin C. Jones, Coordinator, VA - Operation Lifesaver. “Young adults also may be distracted by cell phones, texting, or listening to 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.” 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. More than 870 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 Virginia, there were 8 pedestrian rail trespass deaths in 2008, versus 5 in 2007. An additional 14 people in the state were injured last year, compared with 6 in 2007. Jones said Operation Lifesaver is working with the railroad industry and the Federal Railroad Administration to underscore the importance of avoiding train tracks, except at designated crossing areas. “Even the fastest human is no match for a 12-million pound train. More than half of all trespassers struck by trains last year died; the second most common outcome is loss of a foot or leg,” he stated. Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that 18 to 34-year-olds represent nearly 36 percent of all the rail-related pedestrian casualties that occurred last year. Local activities planned to coincide with the launch of the new awareness campaign include public presentations by Operation Lifesaver Volunteers groups and organizations throughout Virginia. Railroad companies partnering with Operation Lifesaver’s Common Sense campaign include CSX, Union Pacific, Amtrak, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Kansas City Southern.
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 and the District of Columbia, with certified OL 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. Please email
mcjones-vaol@att.net with comments and corrections
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