Operation Lifesaver wants to put the breaks on railroad accidents

Approximately every two hours, somewhere in the United States, a person or a vehicle will be hit by a train.

That's why Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a national non-profit rail safety organizer wants to keep motorists safe around railroad tracks.

And this is also the reason the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and representatives with the Union Pacific Railroad are making sure that motorists are following the law while crossing the tracks.

Seven officers from the sheriff's office, along with railroad personnel conducted a two-hour project in Le Mars Saturday.

The project, where locomotives went through Le Mars at the posted speed, resulted in 13 citations or warnings being issued to motorists.

The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office would like to remind motorists that state law says that when a vehicle is approaching a railroad crossing, the driver must stop within fifty feet (but not less than fifteen feet) from the nearest rail.

Also, the driver must stay at stop until the crossing gate is lowered or when a flagman gives the okay to proceed.

"The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office conducts these Operation Lifesaver project at least once a year," state Plymouth County Chief Deputy Craig Bartolozzi. "More than anything, we want motorists to play it safe around railroad tracks. Trains can come from anywhere and at any time."

"Be sure to look both ways while crossing the train tracks," he suggest. "Trains, because of their size, sometimes look like they're moving slower than you think. That initial look is often deceiving because they can be upon a vehicle in a matter of seconds."

Operation Lifesaver also has some tips to stay safe from trains:

-- Cross only at designated locations. The only safe and legal place to be on a railroad track in in the designated crossing -- and even there, it is important to stay alert and follow directions.

-- Don't rely on track vibration. Modern technology mean that you can not hear or feel an oncoming train in time to clear the tracks safely.

-- Trains are wider than their tracks. To ensure clearance and to protect yourself from flying debris, always stand or stop 15 feet from the track.

-- Trains can't stop or swerve like cars. It can take a freight train traveling 55 miles per hour to stop.

-- Don't get caught on the tracks. Before driving across the tracks, be sure there is room on the other side to completely clear both the tracks and the train's overhangs.

-- If you stall, move yourself and (everyone else) out of the car, even if you don't see a train approaching. According to Operation Lifesaver, contact the toll-free emergency number listed near the crossing or your local police immediately.

In 2006, there were 2,908 automobile collisions at railroad crossings across the state. 336 motorists lost their lives and 997 people were injured or killed across the country while walking or playing on railroad tracks or the right-of-way.

Operation Lifesaver's mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail guard crossings and on rail property. For more information about the program or more safety tips, log on to the Operation Lifesaver website at www.oli.org.