Published: May 06, 2008 11:48 am         

Operation Lifesaver coming to Gainesville

Special to the Register

In cooperation with Texas Operation Lifesaver, the Gainesville Police Department and BNSF Railway will partner to conduct a “Positive Enforcement Activity” in our community.

“The purpose of Positive Enforcement Activities like this, is to reinforce safe driver behavior when they comply with existing traffic laws regarding railroad crossings”, said Sally Tingle, Executive Director for Texas Operation Lifesaver.

This activity will take place Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m., on East California, East Broadway and East Scott streets. The activity may extend to other streets, depending on traffic.

BNSF Railway Police will distribute Operation Lifesaver information and incentives to drivers “who do the right thing” as they approach the railroad crossing. Gainesville Police Officers will also be present, indicating to drivers that it is okay to stop briefly for the free information and incentives.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Texas has the most collisions and fatalities at crossings and the most injuries resulting from trespassing on railroad property. “This is one category where we don’t want to be number one, because we know these tragedies can be prevented,” says Tingle.

Texas Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety organization committed to eliminating the number of collisions at highway-rail grade crossings and trespassing on railroad property.

Since the program’s beginning in 1977, volunteer presenters have been spreading the Operation Lifesaver rail safety message in Texas through free presentations and other safety activities. Operation Lifesaver makes free presentations to any age or size group, for example, driver education, law enforcement and fire department personnel, school bus drivers, professional drivers, businesses, civic organizations, church groups and schools.

“The more people we can educate about safety at crossings and staying off railroad property, the more lives we can save,” says Tingle.

For information on requesting free presentations or volunteer opportunities, contact Sally Tingle, Executive Director, at 1-(800) 362_2210 or email txol@hot.rr.com.