Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Drivers in Kosciusko County will be seeing a new sign of the times popping up at the area railroad crossings - signs urging them to be more alert.
The signs are part of CSX Transportation's Operation Lifesaver program, designed to increase public awareness of train crossings and provide safety tips to prevent train-car accidents.
The need for the increased awareness will be highlighted with the acquisition of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk-Southern rail lines. The number of trains will increase from four to eight per day over the next three years, according to Gary Wollenkaupt, director of corporate communication for CSX.
"There will be increased traffic through town when the acquisition of Conrail's lines are complete in March," said Bill White, public safety coordinator for CSX. "When the acquisition is complete we'll see an increase in the number of trains through town."
White said the signs will be placed at all crossings in the county, providing safety tips for drivers to use when crossing railroad tracks.
"The information signs will be installed at all crossings in the Warsaw area, advising drivers of the increased number of trains," White said.
Key safety tips being stressed by the signs include:
• Never drive around lowered gates.
• Never race a train to a crossing.
• Only proceed across a crossing if the tracks can be cleared.
• Leave a stalled vehicle and call local law enforcement.
• Watch for a second train on multiple tracks.
• Expect a train at any time - trains don't follow set schedules.
• Be aware trains cannot stop quickly - it takes half a mile for a train to stop that is traveling at only 30 miles per hour.
White said the Operation Lifesaver programs also offer informational seminars for schools, businesses and service groups. To schedule a seminar, contact Kay Kern program coordinator in northern Indiana, at (219) 837-4511.
