Operation Lifesaver Begins Houston Distracted Driving/Pedestrian Safety PSA Campaign
HOUSTON, April 30, 2010 – Texas leads the nation in the number of collisions between vehicles and trains at highway-rail grade crossings, and is second in rail-related pedestrian deaths and injuries. Distractions posed by phones and text messages can increase drivers' and pedestrians’ risk for deadly encounters with trains, according to rail safety nonprofit Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org). To address these issues, Texas Operation Lifesaver (www.texasoperationlifesaver.com) is launching a new radio public service announcement safety campaign in the Houston area to remind people to “Stay Focused! Stay Alive!”
“Harris County consistently ranks at the top each year for both vehicle-train crossing collisions and pedestrian-train incidents. Our new PSAs remind drivers and pedestrians to avoid electronic distractions, especially near train tracks,” says Sally Tingle, Texas Operation Lifesaver state coordinator. “Whether you are on foot or driving a vehicle, distraction can be deadly, and trains can’t stop quickly because of their size and weight.”
A 30-second PSA on the consequences of distracted driving near trains will air on Clear Channel radio stations in Houston starting May 3, including KODA, SUNNY 99.1 and KTRH. The safety messages will also appear on the radio stations’ websites.
Another 30-second PSA, focusing on pedestrian safety around trains, will also air starting in mid-May on KROI radio. Video versions of the distracted driving and pedestrian public service announcements are also available on the Operation Lifesaver website (click on http://oli.org/video/category/psas to view).
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver's mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way. A national network of volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety. Texas has more than 200 trained and certified speakers. For more information or to request a free safety presentation, call Texas Operation Lifesaver at 800-362-2210 or visit www.texasoperationlifesaver.com or www.oli.org.
