Save a Life, Respect Train Crossings

The Sidney Police Department recently partnered with Union Pacific Railroad Police Officers to perform a Traffic Signal education drill at the railroad crossing on East Illinois Street.

The drill took place Monday afternoon. According to a release from the Sidney Police Department, officers made eight traffic stops in the 90-minute exercise. All of the stops were due to drivers not stopping for the train crossing, or for drivers proceeding through the crossing while the warning lights were activated. Authorities say all vehicles must come to a complete stop at railroad crossings when either the drop arm is down or the red lights are illuminated and flashing, or a railroad flag person advises to stop.

The vehicle then must remain outside of the crossing until either the drop arm is completely up, the red light is no longer illuminated and flashing or the flag person advises it is clear to proceed.

If the crossing does not have a drop arm, drivers must stop if the red lights are illuminated, and can only proceed forward after the lights have turned off.

The Union Pacific reported in September that 75 children between birth and 19 years of age died in train collisions in 2017. This number includes collisions at railroad crossings and when children or ride on or near railroad tracks, according to the press release. Safe Kids Worldwide, part of the Union Pacific's Community Ties Giving Program, launched the Start Safe Travel program teaches parents and educators the safest ways to transport children, including how to prevent railroad-related injuries.

"Safe Kids Worldwide and Union Pacific share a commitment to making communities safer for children and families across the United States," said Rod Doerr, Union Pacific vice president and chief safety officer. "Our partnership allows us to reach even more parents and families with this life-saving information."

The Union Pacific also reports that a person or vehicle is struck by a train about every three hours in the United States.

"Train accidents involving pedestrians and drivers are preventable and Union Pacific's year-round community partnerships help educate pedestrians and drivers about the safest ways to cross railroad tracks," Doerr said. "We are excited to announce this year's National Rail Safety Week initiatives include launching programs with Safe Kids Worldwide and a host of local organizations coming together to encourage safe behavior."

The Union Pacific encourages drivers and pedestrians to always expect a train, and look both ways when encountering a train crossing; only cross the tracks at designated railroad crossings, located where the street intersects with the tracks; never walk between the rails or areas that are not designated crossings; avoid distractions including loud music, texting or talking on cell phones when crossing the railroad tracks; stay away from trains and other railroad property including trestles, yards and equipment; and all the phone number posted at the crossing or 911 to report unsafe behavior on the tracks.