Rail tracks cross roadways at thousands of locations around the country, and every one of those junctions poses a risk of train/vehicle collisions. While a lot of these accidents are caused by human error, a significant number are due to mechanical failures and track defects that result in a vehicle’s getting stalled or stuck on the tracks.
In a bid to cut down on these accidents, a national rail safety education nonprofit called Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) last month launched an initiative to spread the word about a process that can help prevent those collisions.
The system hinges on the rectangular blue and white “Emergency Notification System” (ENS) signs that are posted at most crossings. Each ENS sign displays a unique phone number and crossing ID—vital information that allows the public to report emergencies to the relevant railroad quickly, when every moment matters, the group says.
“The sign may be small, but its impact is enormous,” OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said in a release. “This campaign empowers people with knowledge that can make all the difference in an emergency. Knowing what to do—and how to act quickly—can prevent a tragedy.”
To raise awareness of the emergency notification system, the group on June 24 held the first-ever “Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day.” Participants were encouraged to attend an ENS community event, educate their friends and family, follow OLI on social media, and share the group’s PSAs, videos, and infographics.
