Crossing Safety
"Our bus drivers were absolutely delighted with the safety classes," said Stephen Ferland, Lighthouse School Director of Program Services. "Without a doubt I would recommend it to other schools."
The issue of student safety was raised in North Chelmsford recently when the Lighthouse School was considering moving to its new location on Wellman Ave. The only available route to the school runs across Guilford tracks. John Law, Guilford Rail's Executive Director of Safety and Training, was asked to work with the town and the school to come up with a solution.
"John was very helpful in educating the town about the rail system," said Stephen Ferland, Lighthouse School Director of Program Services.
A communication program was developed between the town, Guilford Rail and the Lighthouse School. A number of safety initiatives were developed that made town administrators confident in moving the school to its new location including safety classes for the school's bus drivers.
Crossing Investigation
"We started this class to teach them how things are different when a train is involved in an accident," said Guilford Rail System Police Captain Fred Fraini. "They already know the basics of an accident investigation."
Guilford Rail System and Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver sponsored a Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course for 20 New Hampshire State Troopers at the N. Billerica headquarters.
The objective of the course was to familiarize the officers with the unique circumstances associated with railroad crossing accidents. The students covered such topics as defining a grade crossing accident, identifying the causes, determining the minimum evacuation distance at the scene of a hazardous material incident, and identifying various hazards associated with train accidents. The course also had the additional benefits of allowing the railroad to take the time to listen to and improve communication with police departments.