NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Lt. John J. Hotz
(573) 526-6115
Sgt. Mike Watson
417-359-1500 x2229
OR
Mr. Rick Mooney
Missouri Operation Lifesaver
573-634-4113 office/573-230-3284 cell

Q5082
May 2, 2008
EMPHASIS: Highway Patrol, MoDOT, & Railroad Companies Focus On Railroad Crossing Safety

Motorists in Jasper County may find themselves stopped at highway-rail crossings Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6-7, 2008, but not necessarily because of a passing train. Instead, personnel from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Operation Lifesaver, and area railroad companies will be there to share safety messages. Along with railroad crossing safety literature, these representatives will give safe drivers a drink coupon from Sonic Drive-Ins. This awareness campaign will take place at various railroad crossings in Jasper County.

These agencies hope to raise awareness of safety at the railroad crossings and along the tracks. Since 2004, 26 crossing crashes have occurred in Jasper County, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. In the past 16 months, Jasper County has accounted for 20 percent of the total train/vehicle crashes in the state of Missouri. In addition, two trespass incidents have resulted in two injuries.

For additional information or statistics, visit www.ShowMeOL.org.