President's Message
Grade crossing accidents have been a major concern for a long time, even in the horse and buggy era. In the early years, the cost of avoiding a grade crossing wasn’t worth it except in the busiest travelled ways. The signs read “Stop, Look and Listen” and had to be taken literally as people did not wish to take a chance on losing "the race". As vehicles became faster, roads became paved and everyone thought their time was more valuable. The “Stop” ceased, and, soon after, the “Look and Listen” became obsolete. Flashing lights and zebra-striped gates became common as warning signals proved to be necessary - the locomotive headlight, ringing bell and blasting whistle just weren’t enough. What will it take to stop drivers from attempting to beat the train through the grade crossing? Why isn’t everyone aware that a collision of motor vehicle and train has a “no win” result
The pressure from people to get rid of a railroad grade crossing has always been weighed against the cost of building bridges and bypasses, and who would pay for it. And the number of grade crossings is so large that eliminating them all at once is a challenge, although such elimination is ongoing. Consolidation and elimination of highway-rail grade crossings will help achieve a safe and efficient transportation system while benefiting the community. It is reasonable to assume that proper warning signs and guardian devices together with an active educational program should reduce the incidence of grade crossing accidents to near zero. The “Operation Lifesaver” program has been pushed for a number of years, with great success. Much of this program’s efforts are directed into the school systems where the vulnerable young drivers are made aware of grade crossing risks. Publicity in the media has attempted to spread the same word throughout society. Community and railroad police activities have sought to heighten awareness through enforcement of the laws designed to prohibit reckless behavior at grade crossings. Warning signal devices and lights have become highly sophisticated, with every effort made to prevent that motor vehicle from being on the track with a train coming. And locomotives have been equipped with additional front lighting to assist drivers in estimating how far away a train is and how fast it is moving when you look right at its headlight.
We have all worked hard to eliminate the tragedy of grade crossing collisions. All that is needed is awareness, alertness and concern for the safety of others, and, no doubt, the self-discipline which puts away the temptation to race that train over the crossing. Thousand of dollars are spent each year to eliminate or improve grade crossings and to improve the warning devices which are in use. “Operation Lifesaver” reaches more and more people every year, and the goal is to press on toward even greater effort. Law enforcement agencies contribute much to the educational process as they get involved. However, the driver must be a part - the biggest part - of the prevention effort, by remaining aware and alert, concerned for the safety of all those around him, and by choosing to drive with caution and prudence.
Tom Steiniger