Agency Wants Ohio to Make
Railroad Crossings Safer In 1995, 16-year-old Ryan Moore died when a train struck
his car. 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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