Passengers Learn Railroad Crossing Safety On Ride NORTH PLATTE, NE -- A part of North Platte's past came back to life on Monday as once again, passengers disembarked from Union Pacific Railroad cars onto a loading platform. Operation Lifesaver, in cooperation with UPRR, sponsored the 90-minute trip to Maxwell and back as part of its on-going efforts to educate the public on railroad crossing safety. "This is the third time this year we have provided a train for this," said Steve Lord, director of road operations for the UPRR. "It takes a lot of arrangements, but if we can save one person from not realizing the damage a big train can do, then it is worth it." Passengers preparing to board walked past a demolished car parked at the entrance, a not-so-subtle demonstration of the power of a moving train. "Look, listen and live," said Shelly Harshaw, executive director for Nebraska Operation Lifesaver. "Every passenger on the train received a safety message today that I hope they will share with others." Nebraska is ranked second in the country for reductions of train/car crashes in 2006, Harshaw said. "In 2006, there have been 25 fewer crashes than in the previous year," Harshaw said. "We are here today to educate about safety and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities from accidents at railroad crossings." Seats are still available for train rides Tuesday at 10:00 and 14:00. Tickets are available at the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, 502 South Dewey. Passengers on Monday included representatives from law enforcement, Homeland Security, Immigration, LinkUp, and the city. Volunteers operating the train included UPRR employees, retired BNSF Railway Company employees, and local law enforcement. Riders saw the "officer on a train" program in action. When a law enforcement officer on the train spots a car going around the barricades at a crossing or any other violation, he radios to police cars following the train, who then cite the offenders. "If you violate the law at a crossing, you will be ticketed," Harshaw said. No citations were issued on Monday's trips, Harshaw said. "The Lincoln County public is taking railroad safety seriously," Harshaw said. - Diane Wetzel, The North Platte Telegraph
John, Do they ever put out information on where OL will be doing things? I want my kids to see this in person. Steve
I'd like to see people sit in a locomotive cab simulator. And virtually experience a collision. With a loaded tank truck, a car full of people, etc. That, would make an impression upon some folks. But, sadly, not all. mg: :sad: Boxcab E50
