Sacramento Regional Transit District in partnership with California Operation Lifesaver launched their See Tracks? Think Train! Campaign at a press conference at a SACRT light rail station on Wednesday, March 18th.
SACRT promoted the campaign with a press release: “The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and Operation Lifesaver (OL) have partnered to promote a light rail safety campaign that emphasizes pedestrian and motorist safety around tracks. “See Tracks? Think Train!” will officially launch during a press conference on Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. at the Broadway light rail station. “See Tracks? Think Train!” is a simple message originated by OL, but one that can save lives. It is RT’s goal to eliminate incidents by using education and outreach to remind the public of the proper behavior to stay safe.
The campaign will include the distribution of print materials, presentations to community and neighborhood groups, social media, and special enforcement conducted by RT Police Services at grade crossings and stations throughout the RT system. Campaign messages will focus on the danger of distractions near tracks and in stations, and the importance of respecting warning signs and signals.” (full press release: http://iportal.sacrt.com/WebApps/PressReleases/PressReleases.asp?ShowPressID=429 )
SACRT General Manager Mike Wiley and State Coordinator Nancy Sheehan each addressed the media emphasizing the importance of the See Tracks? Think Train! campaign. Wiley described the safety issues facing SACRT and highlighting the need for the community to be more aware of their surroundings around trains and train tracks.
Sheehan provided background on the Operation Lifesaver/FTA Grant awarded to SACRT indicating that SACRT was chosen for their application and plan for their campaign which demonstrated a proactive approach to educating the public about rail safety.
“The message for their riders and the Sacramento community matched Operation Lifesaver’s mission that whether driving or walking, when people see tracks, they should use caution and be alert for approaching trains:” Sheehan said.
Thanking Sacramento Regional Transit for their efforts and partnership in launching this campaign, Sheehan urged; “I would like to encourage the media and the public to remember this rail safety message and to share the message with their families, friends and communities that whenever you See Tracks? ALWAYS Think Train!”
You can see General Manager Mike Wiley’s media address at the Sacramento Bee Link at: https://youtu.be/n-y98YOIUoI
Operation Lifesaver’s mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way. A national network of trained volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety. Learn more at www.caoperationlifesaver.com ; https://www.facebook.com/CAOperationLifesaver or https://twitter.com/CAOpLifeSaver or at http://www.oli.org.
