INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana vehicle-train collisions and fatalities increased last year, according to preliminary 2011 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) statistics, while vehicle-train injuries declined from prior year numbers.
The number of Indiana crossing collisions rose from 111 in 2010 to 116 in 2011; crossing fatalities rose from 9 in 2010 to 10 in 2011; and crossing injuries moved from 41 in 2010 down to 38 in 2011.
“Indiana Operation Lifesaver is pleased to see that the number of vehicle-train injuries were lower last year, but we will be stepping up our efforts to try and combat the rise in crashes and deaths” said Jessica Feder, executive director. “Through the efforts of our strong volunteer program and our partnerships with the railroads operating in Indiana, law enforcement and transportation safety agencies, we are all working together to encourage citizens to make safe decisions near railroad crossings and tracks.”
FRA 2011 statistics place Indiana second nationally in vehicle-train collisions, sixth in vehicle-train fatalities, and fifth in vehicle-train injuries. In 2010, Indiana was fourth in vehicle-train collisions, tied for eighth in vehicle-train fatalities, and tied for fifth in vehicle-train injuries. National FRA statistics indicate that there were 1,956 vehicle-train collisions in the U.S. in 2011, down 3 percent from the 2,017 incidents in 2010. Those 2011 collisions resulted in 262 deaths and 964 injuries, with crossing deaths up 2.3 percent and crossing injuries up 12.9 percent from the 256 deaths and 854 injuries in 2010. States with the most crossing collisions in 2011 were Texas, Indiana, California, Louisiana, and Illinois.
The top 4 counties in Indiana for vehicle-train crashes in 2011 were Lake, LaPorte, Marion and Delaware.
In addition, 428 pedestrians were killed and 346 injured nationally while trespassing on train tracks last year, versus 434 deaths and 388 injuries in 2010. Total trespasser deaths dropped 1.4 percent and trespasser injuries dropped 10.8 percent nationwide in 2011.
Indiana ranks 12th nationally in trespasser fatalities and tied for 10th in trespasser injuries. There were 11 trespass fatalities in 2011 compared to 6 in 2010, and 9 injuries in 2011 as well as 2010.
“These latest FRA statistics show that Operation Lifesaver must continue its work to educate drivers and pedestrians to focus their attention near railroad crossings and tracks,” said Feder. “Distracted driving is a serious concern. All drivers should be especially alert when approaching a railroad crossing. Always expect a train.”
Indiana Operation Lifesaver provides speakers for free rail safety presentations and materials for audiences of any profession and age group, along with resources on its website, www.inol.org.
"We need to successfully educate people to stay off the tracks, understand and obey crossing laws, and use common sense around train tracks,” said Feder.
“Operation Lifesaver needs your help to save lives,” said Feder. To schedule a presentation for an organization, school or company, please visit www.inol.org, email jfeder@inol.org or call 317-267-4011.
The number of Indiana crossing collisions rose from 111 in 2010 to 116 in 2011; crossing fatalities rose from 9 in 2010 to 10 in 2011; and crossing injuries moved from 41 in 2010 down to 38 in 2011.
“Indiana Operation Lifesaver is pleased to see that the number of vehicle-train injuries were lower last year, but we will be stepping up our efforts to try and combat the rise in crashes and deaths” said Jessica Feder, executive director. “Through the efforts of our strong volunteer program and our partnerships with the railroads operating in Indiana, law enforcement and transportation safety agencies, we are all working together to encourage citizens to make safe decisions near railroad crossings and tracks.”
FRA 2011 statistics place Indiana second nationally in vehicle-train collisions, sixth in vehicle-train fatalities, and fifth in vehicle-train injuries. In 2010, Indiana was fourth in vehicle-train collisions, tied for eighth in vehicle-train fatalities, and tied for fifth in vehicle-train injuries. National FRA statistics indicate that there were 1,956 vehicle-train collisions in the U.S. in 2011, down 3 percent from the 2,017 incidents in 2010. Those 2011 collisions resulted in 262 deaths and 964 injuries, with crossing deaths up 2.3 percent and crossing injuries up 12.9 percent from the 256 deaths and 854 injuries in 2010. States with the most crossing collisions in 2011 were Texas, Indiana, California, Louisiana, and Illinois.
The top 4 counties in Indiana for vehicle-train crashes in 2011 were Lake, LaPorte, Marion and Delaware.
In addition, 428 pedestrians were killed and 346 injured nationally while trespassing on train tracks last year, versus 434 deaths and 388 injuries in 2010. Total trespasser deaths dropped 1.4 percent and trespasser injuries dropped 10.8 percent nationwide in 2011.
Indiana ranks 12th nationally in trespasser fatalities and tied for 10th in trespasser injuries. There were 11 trespass fatalities in 2011 compared to 6 in 2010, and 9 injuries in 2011 as well as 2010.
“These latest FRA statistics show that Operation Lifesaver must continue its work to educate drivers and pedestrians to focus their attention near railroad crossings and tracks,” said Feder. “Distracted driving is a serious concern. All drivers should be especially alert when approaching a railroad crossing. Always expect a train.”
Indiana Operation Lifesaver provides speakers for free rail safety presentations and materials for audiences of any profession and age group, along with resources on its website, www.inol.org.
"We need to successfully educate people to stay off the tracks, understand and obey crossing laws, and use common sense around train tracks,” said Feder.
“Operation Lifesaver needs your help to save lives,” said Feder. To schedule a presentation for an organization, school or company, please visit www.inol.org, email jfeder@inol.org or call 317-267-4011.
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