AAR joined the global rail community to mark the 13th International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), which aims to increase international awareness of the dangers surrounding level crossings, also known as grade crossings. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 95% of all rail-related deaths are preventable – involving a driver going around warning devices or a person walking on the tracks.

“Together, we can prevent tragedies on the tracks,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “As railroads continue to improve the safety of grade crossings, initiatives like International Level Crossing Awareness Day are vital to ensuring the public knows how to stay safe near the tracks. Every time you see railroad tracks, stop, look and listen.”

This year’s ILCAD focuses on the role distraction – particularly from mobile devices – can play in level crossing and pedestrian incidents. Recognising this persistent challenge, Operation Lifesaver (OLI) has launched “Near Miss” and new driver distraction campaigns aimed at increasing awareness among young people of the importance of avoiding distractions near railroad tracks.

The ILCAD campaign was established in 2009 by the international rail community in conjunction with various road organisations, the European Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to raise awareness among road users and pedestrians of the risks at level crossings.

For more information on International Level Crossing Awareness Day, please visit www.ilcad.org. For more information on staying safe near the tracks, please visit AAR’s passenger and driver safety page.

(Source: AAR)