U.S. railroads join global safety effort

The Association of American Railroads announced Thursday its freight railroad members are joining with the international community to raise awareness among motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of railroad grade crossings.

“U.S. railroads operate the safest freight rail transportation system in the world and are honored to share their learning and experiences with the international community as we look to eliminate grade crossing accidents,” said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger (pictured at left). “For railroads, nothing is more important than the safety of our employees and the communities through which we operate.”

The third annual International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) features grade crossing safety events in 40 countries around the world, with a focus on the common message: “Act safely at level crossings!” Planned activities include the distribution of flyers at grade crossings, in schools, driving schools, and to scouts; the display of posters and the “Just in Time” video in railway stations and the internet; broadcast ads on radio and television, and a press conference organized with national and local press.

The ILCAD Campaign was established in 2009 by the international railroad community in conjunction with various highway organizations, the European Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), to raise awareness among road users and pedestrians of the risks at grade crossings. To date, more than 40 countries around the world have participated in ILCAD.

ILCAD is jointly sponsored by the International Union of Railways (UIC), the European Level Crossing Forum (ELCF), the Community of European Railway Companies (CER), the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and Operation Lifesaver (OL).

“Saving lives knows no borders,” said Helen Sramek, president of Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing collisions. “We are thrilled to join with our colleagues in the international rail safety community in supporting such an important event.”

Major U.S. freight railroads will host ILCAD events across the U.S. ranging from Officer on a Train to public and private crossing sign inspection trips and grade crossing closure meetings. U.S. railroads have led the international community in promoting grade crossing safety and spend several hundred million dollars each year on grade crossing safety.

More information on International Level Crossing Awareness Day is available at www.ilcad.org.