To the Editor:
Every three hours in the United States a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Last year alone 12 Hoosiers died in railroad crossing accidents.
Graphic provided
To raise awareness of the need for caution near tracks and trains, the first U.S. Rail Safety Week is taking place Sept. 24-30 this year. U.S. Rail Safety Week is spearheaded by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, law enforcement agencies and many other organizations.
As of Sept. 15, the Nickel Plate Express is operating regular excursions in northern Hamilton County. The train will run through Atlanta, Arcadia, Cicero and northern Noblesville every Saturday and Sunday. When approaching rail crossings be sure to stop, look and listen. Please use caution and adhere to all rail crossing signage.
Trains are closer and faster moving than they appear. Due to their size and weight, a train will not be able to stop in time to avoid collision.
Please help us spread the word about rail safety by telling your friends and family to stop, look and listen for trains.
Visit oli.org for statistics and facts about rail safety education. And remember: See Tracks, Think Train!
Nickel Plate Express looks forward to running a safe and fun train through northern Hamilton County.
Sincerely,
Dagny Zupin
Nickel Plate Express