June 2004

Ohio Enforcement Blitz Monitors 29 Intersections, Partners with 7 PDs, OHSP

Miami-Dade County Officer Darnell Carson writes a ticket during a Florida OL Blitz

Possibly the largest rail enforcement effort in Ohio history took place May 12 in partnership with the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, which runs through Canton and Akron. Others assisting with the enforcement effort were the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, seven police departments, two sheriff’s departments and the Ohio State Patrol.

A total of 62 grade crossing violations were observed with 39 grade crossing citations and two (of six observed) pedestrian/trespass citations written. One of the pedestrians, who was walking a dog that darted in front of the train, barely missed being hit. Two others received citations, one for driving under a suspended license, and the other for not wearing a seatbelt.

“Officers working at the crossings could not believe the number of violations that occurred, reinforcing the need for stricter enforcement at grade crossings,” OHOL State Coordinator Shel Senek said. “It also points directly to an unwanted driving behavior at the crossings that could lead to a tragedy.”

Jurisdictions participating in the Ohio enforcement event were Police Departments in Canton, Hartville, Mogadore, Akron, Copley, and Fairlawn, plus Sheriff’s Offices in Stark and Medina.

Other Items of Interest

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We promise you won’t leave Texas after the Symposium without understanding cowboys just a little bit better.
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Rail Safety for EMS Workers : New Course for 1st Responders
This new course alerts responders to their own personal safety needs while driving across the railroad crossing and working in the vicinity of trains.
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Ohio Enforcement Blitz Monitors 29 Intersections, Partners with 7 PDs, OHSP
Possibly the largest rail enforcement effort in Ohio history took place May 12 in partnership with the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, which runs through Canton and Akron.
Learn more

To Celebrate OL Week NYOL Ran Special Train: Rensselaer to Saratoga
Michael H. Zurlo, a Saratoga County sheriff’s investigator who has handled several railroad fatalities, said, “They’re difficult for both the families and the engineers. This (ride-along) is good because it gives you an idea what it’s like for them.”
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Take Me Out to the Ballgame
This near-summer event May 14, gave the Mid-Atlantic OL crew a chance to thank their veteran performers and to enjoy the game together.
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Estonian Presenters Trained in Kansas City
The two-day training at the BNSF Technical Training facility brought together a variety of OL trainers.
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Maryland Hits Critical Areas With Station Blitzes, Training
Community parents, police, railroad safety managers and Baltimore resident Alvin Richardson, who is Amtrak’s liaison to Operation Lifesaver, got together to prevent another child from being hit by a train.
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Contact Operation Lifesaver:
1420 King Street, Suite 401
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 739-0308
(800) 537-6224
Email:general@oli.org