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Group To Campaign For Safer Rail Crossings

THE NEW YORK TIMES (National)

Monday, November 22, 1999

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 21 (AP) - Small groups of railroad safety advocates, most of whom have lost friends or relatives in train-car collisions, have formed a national organization to campaign for safer railroad crossings.

"I think it's frustration that brought us all together," said Vicky Moore, whose 16-year old son, Ryan, was one of three people killed in a 1995 accident that seriously injured three others, including Ryan's older brother, Jason. "What's driving us is loosing our children and our loved ones at these crossings."

More than 30 safety advocates from six states met here on Saturday to set goals for the new organization, the National Rail Safety Coalition.

The coalition wants railroads and governments to eliminate unguarded crossings and will demand more accountability from the railroads for accidents, Mrs. Moore said.

In addition, the organization seeks more public education on rail-safety issues and wants to be a source of support for others who have lost loved ones in car and train collisions. Members also plan to lobby for uniformity of railway signs and safety standards.

The group hopes to draw 500 participants to its first national conference in Washington next year.

http://www.angelsontrack.org/nyt112299.html