Agency
Wants Ohio to Make Railroad Crossings Safer
WKBN.com
July 9, 2010
In 1995, 16-year-old Ryan Moore died when a train struck his
car.
That railroad crossing did not have any warning gates, lights,
or stop signs, only a cross buck.
So ever since the fatal accident, Ryan's parents made it their
mission to increase the safety at crossings throughout the
state.
"Part of the hazards of the crossing was sight obstruction," said
Vicky Moore, of the Angels on Track Foundation. "So we
know personally that across this country and in Ohio in particular
there are a lot of dangerous railroad crossings."
Even though the number of accidents has decreased over the
last 10 years, the Federal Rail Administration is asking Ohio
and nine other states to come up with a detailed safety plan.
"Our aim is to meet those requirements they are setting
down," said Stu Nicholson, of the Ohio Rail Development
Commission. "But it's also fair to point out that we've
already got a very aggressie railroad crossing safety program
in the state of Ohio."
And the foundation set up in Ryan's name. Angels on Track
has played a vital role in that program.
Through public service announcements and website, the foundation
helps identify dangerous crossings.
"You can go to this report," said Vicky Moore. "Fill
in the sections that pertain to the crossing. It identifies
several different hazards at the crossing."
The report is then forwarded to PUCO and the Ohio Rail Development
Commission. As a direct result, Angels on Track got 21 brand
new gates installed throughout the state.
But officials said it's also up to drivers to obey all signs
when a train is passing through.
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