IDAHO OPERATION LIFESAVER “OFFICER ON A TRAIN” & “ADOPT A CROSSING”

IDAHO STATE POLICE

1540 FOOTE DRIVE

IDAHO FALLS ID 83402

208-525-7377

Press Release For Immediate Release Press Release

Idaho Operation Lifesaver

"Officer On A Train" and "Adopt A Crossing"

On Monday June 18, City, County and State Law Enforcement Officers will be conducting an "Officer On A Train" and "Adopt A Crossing" enforcement operation in East Idaho.

The purpose of this enforcement operation is to increase public awareness of the potential dangers that exist at highway railroad intersections and eliminate driver actions that can have tragic consequences, by enforcing the traffic laws that pertain to these intersections. The enforcement program is one of three parts of the Operation Lifesaver effort, which include engineering and education, designed to eliminate car/train collisions.

During the "Officer On the Train" enforcement effort, one officer is placed in the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. This officer observes traffic approaching the highway rail intersections as the train proceeds down the tracks. Other officers pace the train or are parked at specific locations. When a motorist is observed violating the laws pertaining to the approaching intersection, the officer on the train radios one of the chase cars which stops the motorist, explain the dangers and issue a citation.

During 2011, there were 14 car/train collisions resulting in 2 people injured and 2 fatalities.

Since 1990, the "Officer On A Train" program has been instrumental in helping reduce the number of car train collisions in the state. City, County and State law enforcement, State and federal agencies, along with the private business and the railroads that operate in the state sponsor the Idaho Operation Lifesaver program.

Idaho Operation Lifesaver is dedicated to eliminating car train collisions, which result in preventable deaths and injuries. For additional information or to schedule a free presentation, call Idaho Operation Lifesaver @ 208-236-5626.

News Department Information Only

The "Officer On A Train" enforcement operation will be in Bannock, Bingham, and Bonneville Counties.

For Additional information, or to arrange a ride along on the train contact

Lt. Chris Weadick, Idaho State Police 208-525-7377

Sgt. Jeff Edwards, Bonneville Police 208-529-1299

Kim Davids, Idaho Operation Lifesaver 208-681-8357

Posted in District 6 - Eastern Idaho