FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 20, 2002

September 8th - “Railroad Crossing Safety Awareness Day" – Ohio Rally At the Rails

With September 8th fast approaching, it’s important for Ohioans to acknowledge SCR039 “Railroad Crossing Safety Awareness Day”. Sponsored by State Senator Scott Oelslager (R-Plain Twp.) this concurrent resolution received unanimous support and passage from the Ohio Senate and Senate Committee on Highways and Transportation this past June.

Recognizing the combination of lights and gates are 90% effective at preventing accidents between trains and vehicles, it addresses the fact that only approximately 34% of Ohio’s public crossings are protected while about 43% have minimal signage (crossbucks or Buckeye crossbucks). Private crossings often have no protective and/or warning devices. “This fact is all the more reason for us to examine how well our crossings are protected and to commit to making them as safe as they can be”, Oelslager said.

This resolution seeks to remind responsible drivers to be extra cautious at all railroad crossings, especially those considered ultra-hazardous because of difficult sight lines, inadequate protective devices, and steep approaches to railroad grades. It also acknowledges railroads have a shared responsibility for the selection and funding of protective devices and that state and local officials need to be proactive in eliminating hazards at all dangerous crossings. It shouldn’t take a tragedy for a dangerous crossing to become a priority.

State Senator Oelslager will speak at Ohio’s Rally at the Rails Day scheduled for September 21, 2002, Medina County Square (Uptown Park 1-3:30p) on the importance of this resolution and how it affects all Ohioans and the state’s 9,600 crossings, of which more than 6,400 intersect with public roads.

For more information on Ohio Rally at the Rails contact:

Vicky L. Moore, Trustee
The Angels On Track Foundation
12376 Chestnut Street, N.W.
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
http://www.angelsontrack.org
1-330-854-6311
Email: info@angelsontrack.org

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