Peds and Car Need to Get Off the Tracks

An international group focused on keeping people off rail lines has launched a campaign in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Operation Lifesaver will try to educate residents about the consequences of trespassing on railways, driving to beat trains and other hazardous behavior.
State Coordinator Jack Hubbard says railroad safety is a serious problem in the commonwealth. He says, "Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of the top 15 states for trespass fatalities. We are actually number five, and in 2008 we had 23 fatalities with pedestrians." Hubbard says the organization is inviting police, government officials and members of railroad-related agencies to hop on board a Norfolk-Southern train traveling from Altoona to Lewistown, Mifflin County on June 3. A similar trip was made earlier this month between Harrisburg and Hagerstown, Maryland. Railroad trespassing is against the law and violators may face fines or arrest.