FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	PHONE: 518-473-7000
Monday, May 23, 2006

 

Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of Governor George E. Pataki's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today joined law enforcement officials from across the State on the "Operation Lifesaver Special Law Enforcement Train" to stress the need for caution when traveling near railroad property.

"Each year, collisions between trains and motor vehicles at highway rail grade crossings and between trains and people trespassing along railway rights of way cause loss of life and serious injury," Commissioner Naples said.  "Motorists and pedestrians need to be cautious around train tracks and heed warning lights near railroad property."

Guests on the "Operation Lifesaver Special Law Enforcement Train" included officials from State, county and local law enforcement agencies, the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Amtrak, CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration, Canadian Pacific Railway, the New York State Motor Carriers Association, the New York State Police and the New York State Department Of Transportation.  Law enforcement personnel and other officials had the opportunity to share the engineer's view of highway rail grade crossing and trespass hazards along the rail line from Rensselaer to Saratoga.  The round trip highlighted the need for extra caution around highway rail crossings and emphasized the message that trespassing on railroad rights of way is a dangerous mistake.

"A motor vehicle is no match for a train in a collision, yet motorists often attempt to beat trains at rail crossings risking deadly consequences," Commissioner Naples noted.  "Motorists are generally unaware that trains cannot stop as quickly as motor vehicles to avoid a collision, and this simple error in judgment can cost them their lives."

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., is an international non-profit program designed to eliminate crashes, injuries and deaths at highway rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way.  Operation Lifesaver attempts to educate and alert people about the dangers associated with railroad crossings and trespassing on railroad property.  The GTSC provides financial support for various activities of the New York State Operation Lifesaver, Inc. whose membership includes Federal, State and local government agencies, highway safety and transportation organizations and the nation's railroads.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV.  The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety. DMV Commissioner Nancy Naples serves as Chair of the Committee.