FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11th, 2002

CONTACT: Gina Wilt
(614) 466-0626

OELSLAGER AIMS TO PROMOTE SAFETY WITH RAILROAD CROSSING AWARENESS DAY

COLUMBUS -- Believing that more public education is needed concerning the dangers of driving up to railroad grade crossings, state Senator Scott Oelslager (R-Plain Twp.) today introduced a concurrent resolution that would designate September 8, 2002, as "Railroad Crossing Safety Awareness Day."

In 2000, Ohio ranked sixth highest in the nation for the number of accidents involving trains and motor vehicles, and seventh in the overall number of deaths. Ohio has 6,412 public railroad crossings, 2,160 of which are protected by both automatic gates and flashing lights.

The combination of lights and automatic gates has proven to be 90 percent effective at preventing collisions between trains and vehicles. However, flashing lights alone mark 2,725 of Ohio's railroad crossings while 1,170 are designated by only crossbuck signs.

"Considering the high volume of traffic on Ohio's roadways, it's only natural that the number of railroad crossing accidents taking place in our state will be somewhat higher than others," Oelslager said. "This fact is all the more reason for us to take the initiative in making sure that our railroad crossings are as safe as they can be."

In 1999, America's safest year to date at railroad crossings, 402 people lost their lives in accidents at railroad crossings. Only an estimated 20 percent of railroad crossings in the United States are protected by flashing lights and automatic gates.

Recognizing the importance of the issue of railroad crossing safety, September 8th was chosen because it was the first day on which Ohio took part in the national event known as "Rally at the Rails" to increase awareness of the dangers faced even by responsible drivers when crossing railroad tracks.

"It's very helpful to set aside a day to raise awareness of the dangers present at railroad crossings but we need to keep this important information in mind every day of the year," Oelslager said.

The Angels on Track Foundation supports this resolution, which seeks to remind drivers to be aware of difficult sight lines, inadequate protective devices and steep approaches to railroad grades. The founder for the Angels on Track Foundation is Stark County resident, Vicky Moore. Ms. Moore has undertaken the mission of improving railroad-crossing safety throughout Ohio. Created by Vicky Moore and her husband in 1998, the purpose of the foundation is to help fund railroad grade crossing safety upgrades by supplying the local match under the state funded program in the form of reimbursement grants.

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