GTSC Joins Railroad Safety Awareness Day

ALBANY, NY (07/25/2007)(readMedia)-- Commissioner David J. Swarts of the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of Governor Spitzer’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today joined law enforcement officials from across the State on the “Operation Lifesaver Special Law Enforcement Train” to stress the need for caution at rail crossings and when traveling near railroad property.

“Collisions between trains and motor vehicles at highway rail grade crossings and between trains and people trespassing along railway rights of way result in needless loss of life,” Commissioner Swarts said. “Motorists and pedestrians need to be extremely cautious around train tracks, heed warning signals and never trespass on railroad property.”

Guests on the “Operation Lifesaver Special Law Enforcement Train” included officials from Amtrak, CSX Rail, State, county and local law enforcement agencies, the GTSC, the Federal Railroad Administration, the New York State Motor Carriers Association, and the New York State Police among others.

Law enforcement personnel and other officials had the opportunity to share the engineer’s view of highway rail grade crossings and trespass hazards along the rail line from Rensselaer to Utica. The round trip highlighted the need for extra caution at crossings and emphasized the message that trespassing on railroad rights of way is a dangerous mistake.

“Motorists often attempt to beat trains at rail crossings risking deadly consequences,” Commissioner Swarts said. “Motorists are generally unaware that trains are moving more quickly than they appear and cannot stop as quickly as motor vehicles. These simple errors in judgment can cost motorists their lives.”

The event was sponsored by Amtrak, CSX Rail and the Adirondack Scenic Railway. The train and crew were provided by Amtrak and the tracks utilized were from CSX Rail and the Adirondack Scenic Railway.

“I want to thank the sponsors of today’s event. Without them this safety reminder could not take place,” Commissioner Swarts said. “Our partnership and continued joint efforts are improving the safety of motorists and also reinforce the message that trespassing on railroad property is not only illegal, but potentially deadly.”

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., is an international non-profit program designed to eliminate crashes, injuries and deaths at highway rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. Operation Lifesaver educates people about the dangers associated with railroad crossings and trespassing on railroad property. The GTSC provides financial support for various activities of the New York State Operation Lifesaver, Inc. whose membership includes Federal, State and local government agencies, highway safety and transportation organizations and the nation's railroads.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV. The head of each agency acts as that agency’s official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety.

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