Pay attention to rail safety signs

It seems crazy that there needs to an Indiana Rail Safety Week, yet we have one. That’s because people continue to ignore warning signs, signals and cross arms. Some even downright challenge those signals and approaching danger in a stupid game of chicken that trains rarely lose, and there certainly aren’t any ties in train wrecks with motor vehicles.

Sometimes, car-train collisions occur because drivers aren’t paying attention. That was the case nearly four years ago when a vehicle struck a CSX Transportation train as it passed through the crossing in the 1700 block of North County Road 950E in the Seymour area. The driver failed to notice the train and drove his pickup into its side. Fortunately, that motorist received what police described as only minor injuries.

Gov. Mitch Daniels declared Aug. 26 to Sept. 1 as Indiana Rail Safety Week this summer. Indiana Operation Lifesaver, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, local law enforcement and railroad companies joined forces this week to increase public awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossings laws and trespassing laws.

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