Operation Lifesaver Offers Holiday Safety Tips for Drivers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 14, 2006 -- As the busy holiday season moves into high gear, the safety education group Operation Lifesaver is sharing its "Top 10 Safety Tips" for motorists. Operation Lifesaver, a national, non- profit safety education group seeking to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights of way, reminds you that about every 2 hours in the U.S., a person or a vehicle is struck by a train.

Gerri Hall, Operation Lifesaver's president, says, "Wintry weather in parts of the U.S. and increased holiday traffic make it crucial to use caution at this time of year. We want to remind drivers that it's more important than ever to think about safety -- especially when approaching railroad tracks."

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver's 3,000 certified presenters throughout the U.S. and Canada are trained to 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 can be found at http://www.oli.org/. To schedule a free Operation Lifesaver Presentation or for information about becoming an OL volunteer, contact your state's coordinator through the web site or call the national office at 1-800-537-6224.

  Operation Lifesaver's Top 10 Holiday Safety Tips

  1. Slow down.  Snow-covered or gridlocked roads hamper safety.

2. Watch for Advance Warning signs (a yellow sign with R X R) indicating railroad tracks cross the road ahead. Be prepared to slow down or stop before the crossing.

3. Know that trains are wider than their tracks. If you stop near or at a crossing, be sure you are at least 15 feet from the tracks, and guard against an icy slide onto tracks or into the path of the train.

4. Leave extra stopping space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. In winter conditions avoid sliding into the crossing or another vehicle, whether on foot or in a car. These are marked with either a crossbuck symbol, flashing red lights or a gate.

5. Remember the basic laws of physics: heavy steel-wheeled trains cannot stop as quickly as rubber-wheeled cars.

6. Look both ways. Turn your head to see around mirrors, passengers, and any visual obstructions inside the car. Clean off all snow and ice that might block vision before you drive -- including snow on the roof and hood that can slide or blow onto your windows or those of cars behind you.

7. Listen. Snow can muffle the sound of an approaching train. Crack the window, lower the sound of the radio and the heater, and hang up the cell phone.

8. Obey lights and controls at railroad crossings. If the lights or gates appear to be malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number displayed on signs near the crossing to notify the railroad.

9. Watch for the "second train." One train may have passed but another could be behind it, or coming from the opposite direction on the next track. Always look both ways before proceeding.

10. If your vehicle gets stuck on a railroad crossing, quickly exit the vehicle, move away from the track, and call 911 or the railroad number displayed on the sign at the crossing. Mention any nearby landmarks, particularly the "DOT" number displayed at the crossing if you can see it.