OLI Releases Crossing-Safety Video

A new safety video released by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is targeting professional drivers of cement, dump and garbage trucks and their employers to prevent devastating collisions between these vehicles and trains at railroad crossings across the U.S.

Preliminary statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) show there were 506 total crossing incidents involving trucks and truck-trailers in 2018, compared with 449 incidents in 2017 and 443 incidents in 2016.

OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh noted that, due to the weight of their vehicles, collisions between cement, dump and garbage trucks and trains have an increased potential for catastrophic results to lives and property.

The new 3 ½-minute video—“Rail Safety for Cement, Dump and Garbage Truck Drivers”—shows drivers the steps to take to avoid a devastating crash with a freight or passenger train, including details on how to:

• Use increased attention when approaching and crossing railroad tracks.
• Recognize and obey signs and signals before and at the crossing.
• Know what to do in the event a vehicle is stalled or stuck on the tracks.

Funding for production and distribution of the video was provided by FRA. The video can be seen here.

“Our goal with the video is to educate drivers, waste management companies, municipalities and cement producers about the dangers railroad crossings pose to drivers and the importance of educating these employees to save lives,” said Maleh. “The increase in 2018 crossing incidents involving heavy trucks underscores the need to reach these audiences and reduce these preventable incidents.”

“Operation Lifesaver offers free rail safety presentations to professional drivers, companies and communities in pursuit of our mission to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on rail property,” Maleh noted. “We look forward to sharing this video with the people and organizations who need it most.”