|
 “Independence
Day is a special time for gathering with family and friends, and we
urge drivers to use caution as they approach and cross railroad
tracks,” said Robert Morrison, Union Pacific Chief of Police.
“Drivers should always expect a train and obey all railroad signals
and gates when traveling during this holiday week."
With a companywide focus on safety and proactive public education
through UP CARES initiatives (Union Pacific Crossing Accident
Reduction Education and Safety), Union Pacific consistently works to
educate residents of the more than 7,000 communities where Union
Pacific operates of the need for caution around railroad tracks.
Union Pacific has reduced grade crossing accident rates by 15
percent form 2003 - 2013. UP CARES initiatives promote pedestrian
and driver safety through a variety of outreach efforts:
-
Grade
crossing education and enforcement, during which motorists
violating rail crossing signage and laws are educated about the
dangers of such actions. Related “positive enforcement”
initiatives reward drivers who operate safely at grade
crossings.
-
Safety
trains, which host local law enforcement, media and public
officials and provide them the opportunity to ride in the
locomotive cab and see traffic violations from a locomotive
engineer's point of view. This activity also allows Union
Pacific to connect with community leaders and help them better
understand the railroad's focus on safety.
-
Communication blitzes, which educate the public via community
events, media outreach and paid advertising. Media outreach
coincides with safety trains in UP communities.
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According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 249 people
died and 952 were injured in 2013 as a result of grade crossing
incidents across the United States. (see chart below)
[Text received; UNION PACIFIC
RAILROAD] About Union
Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union
Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized
companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western
two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the
global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested
approximately $30 billion in its network and operations to support
America’s transportation infrastructure. The railroad’s diversified
business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals,
Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many
of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six
major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly
10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable,
fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
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