OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
will share life-saving messages reminding drivers and pedestrians
to use caution every time they cross the tracks during national
Rail Safety Week events scheduled across Union Pacific's 23-state
system, Sept. 22-28.
"Railroad crossing incidents involving drivers and pedestrians
are preventable if people remain vigilant near the tracks and avoid
risky behavior," said Erin Batt,
Union Pacific's chief safety officer. "Rail Safety Week is a great
opportunity for communities to raise awareness about how people can
keep themselves and their families safe near rail lines."
Trains hit a person or vehicle at railroad crossings every four
hours in America, according to the U.S. Department of
Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration. Union
Pacific hopes to reverse the trend by discouraging unsafe behavior
such as ignoring railroad warnings and walking on tracks in areas
that are not designated crossings. Designated crossings can be
marked with x-shaped railroad signage or equipped with red flashing
lights, bells and gates.
Union Pacific will share rail safety tips on social media during
Rail Safety Week and collaborate with other organizations
participating in the nationwide education effort. Events include
supporting law enforcement observing motorist behavior in
Superior, Wisconsin, Sept. 24. On Sept.
27, Union Pacific and Metra, Chicago's commuter railroad, will host a rail
safety education outreach effort with National Transportation
Safety Board Member Jennifer Homendy, Safe Kids Worldwide, Clifford
the Big Red Dog and the Village of
Elmhurst.
It's important to remember trains do not operate on set
schedules and to expect a train at all times. Practicing the
following rail safety tips throughout the year will help drivers
and pedestrians stay safe near railroad tracks:
- Only cross the tracks at designated railroad crossings, located
where the street intersects with the tracks.
- Never walk between the rails or in areas that are not
designated crossings.
- Avoid distractions including loud music, texting or talking on
cell phones when crossing the railroad tracks.
- Stay away from trains and other railroad property including
bridges, yards and other equipment.
- Call the phone number posted at the crossing or 911 to report
unsafe behavior on or around the tracks.
More information is available at https://www.up.com/safety
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most
recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in
the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical
link in the global supply chain. The railroad's diversified
business mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy,
Industrial and Premium business groups. Union Pacific serves many
of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is
the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
www.up.com
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SOURCE Union Pacific