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KING OF THE ROAD • Even tractor-trailers are no match for the larger and more powerful locomotive engine. Trains usually have the upper hand in any situation. Photo by Sean Gibson

In an effort to increase public awareness of the dangers at railroad crossings, Utah Operation Lifesaver partnered with Union Pacific Railroad on April 22 to conduct the "Officer on the Train" event to observe motorist and pedestrian behavior at railroad crossings and along the railroad right-of-way. Law enforcement officers from the community rode in the cab and worked with officers in patrol cars; officers observed crossing law violations and directed ground units to cite motorists.

According to Jerry Hardesty, Manager Public Safety Union Pacific Railroad, though tragic accidents at crossings are not as frequent, motorists are still taking chances and often are not paying attention or are just ignoring the warnings. Nationally, he mentioned that pedestrian accidents occur more often than vehicle encounters.

A fully-loaded train traveling at 50 mph needs at least a mile and a half to come to a stop. Trying to beat a train to a crossing can result in a tragic outcome. According to the cab crew, it often appears that some motorists are completely unaware of their surrounding. This occurs mostly at rural crossings&emdash;marked with a stop signs&emdash;where traffic is light. More heavily traveled crossings seem to be safer as motorists are more attentive.

The cab crew also spoke about their personal experiences with accidents, fatalities and close calls. The public often puts the blame on the train and many engineers and crew members have a difficult time sleeping at night or recovering from the emotional trauma caused from an accident. Train engines are big, heavy and powerful. Motorists will rarely win a confrontation with a train.

Trains passing through Juab County are primarily carrying coal from the mines in Carbon County and deliver it to the power plant in Lynndyl. There are also mixed loads that come through the area.

Operation Lifesaver is the nationwide, non-profit safety education and outreach program designed to eliminate collisions, deaths and injuries at rail crossings and rights-of-way.