Albany, NY – New York State hosts 3,500 miles of railroad track, with over 2,700 at-grade railroad crossings. Twenty-two people were killed in New York during 2019 due to train collisions, but nearly every collision occurring at railroad crossings could have been prevented if drivers followed safety procedures. In an effort to save lives, New York Operation Lifesaver and TravelCenters of America have teamed up to educate professional drivers about a little-known part of railroad safety operation in the US, the Emergency Notification System. Every public railroad crossing in the US has a blue and white an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign but very few drivers, be they members of the general public or trained professional drivers, are aware of the existence of the ENS sign.
Trucks hauling large loads often use trailers with low clearance. Due to the low clearance, these types of trailers can and do get hung up at raised railroad crossings. The ENS sign provides information about who to call when stuck on or near the tracks, and the crossing’s location. With the information on the ENS sign, railroads can avert a tragedy. New York Operation Lifesaver’s multifaceted public safety campaign targets professional drivers with PSAs at gas stations and at rest areas, as well as using Geofence advertising techniques to send ads and videos to this target audience. The campaign will use these geofence techniques at all TravelCenters of America locations in New York, while also employing posters and hand cards to reinforce the message.
“We want to show all drivers that the ENS system can stave off tragedies,” said Phil Merens, State Coordinator of New York Operation Lifesaver. “It’s a shame that so few people know about the blue and white ENS sign at every at-grade railroad crossing. We’re extremely excited to be working with TravelCenters of America on this campaign. They’re one of the largest and best run truck stop operators in the US, and their participation in this campaign will help us reach an enormous number of professional drivers across New York.”
“When New York Operation Lifesaver approached us about partnering on this safety campaign, we realized this outreach effort could save the lives of some of the hardest working people in America, professional drivers,” said Barry Richards, President of TravelCenters of America. “These heroic men and women have kept this country moving through COVID-19 and we’re happy to do anything to help keep these professional drivers safe while working so hard for everyone in this nation.”
During the course of New York Operation Lifesaver’s safety campaign, the ENS message has been seen over a million times, with millions of on-line ads and video plays still to come as the campaign continues through October. It is estimated that due to TravelCenters of America’s partnership in this campaign, that every day nearly a thousand New Yorkers will see the ENS posters or receive a hand card educating them about ENS basics.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have the access to professional drivers where they work. Our partnership with TravelCenters of America is an example of corporate community engagement for a great cause; saving lives,” said Mr. Merens.
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About New York Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
New York Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. Operation Lifesaver’s network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and in 2019 our efforts reached nearly 60,000 New Yorkers.
