Train collisions involving you - either as a motorist or pedestrian - are entirely preventable.
That's the message safety officials are emphasizing not only during Missouri Rail Safety Week, observed through Friday, but throughout the year.
"See Tracks? Think Train!" is the theme for the campaign promoted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Missouri Highway Patrol and Missouri Operation Lifesaver.
The goal of the agencies is to raise public awareness about the dangers of disobeying railroad crossing laws and trespassing on railroad property.
"We are constantly striving to reduce crashes and eliminate deaths and injuries with both crossing collisions and trespasser incidents," said Capt. Tim Hull, the patrol's public information and education director. "We encourage everyone to take these warning devices seriously and pay attention at all railroad crossings. Also please remember railroad tracks are private property and trespassing is dangerous and illegal."
Although you might think this simple safety message is embraced uniformly, the toll of accidents and fatalities continues. In 2013, 64 crossing crashes and trespassing incidents resulted in 14 fatalities and 38 injuries in the state.
To increase safety, transportation officials continue to improve infrastructure. Eric Curtit, MoDOT's railroad administrator, said: "MoDOT works with the railroads to upgrade public crossings with lights and gates, LED lights, and more reflective signing. With our limited funding, we do 30-35 signal upgrades per year. MoDOT continues to work with local communities and railroads to reduce the number of railroad crossings to improve safety. A closed crossing is the safest crossing."
During the week-long observance, Rich Mooney, Operation Lifesaver executive director said: "Missouri law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings. We are hoping to change the public's mindset regarding rail safety."
Remember, if you're on railroad tracks, a train cannot steer out of your way or stop immediately.
When you see railroad tracks, think about an oncoming train and proceed with caution.
Attention and prevention go hand in hand when it comes to rail safety.