[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF RAIL SAFETY MONTH AND RAIL SAFETY WEEK

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as Rail 
Safety Month and September 24-30, 2017 as Rail Safety week, and to 
commend the efforts being made across our country to improve railroad 
crossing safety.
  An accident involving a train occurs every 3 hours in the United 
States and California ranks No. 1 in the nation in both trespassing and 
grade crossing deaths. Last year in California there were a total of 
148 highway grade-crossing incidents, including 98 trespasser 
fatalities and 32 highway-rail crossing fatalities, all of which could 
have been avoided if both trespassers and drivers were taking the 
necessary safety precautions. There are more than 10,000 highway rail-
grade crossings located within 52 counties and more than 400 cities in 
California to service the BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, other 
freight trains, and Amtrak passenger trains running through California.
  September is historically back to school month for most children and 
college students. Many must cross railroad tracks to attend school and 
it is important to reinforce rail safety with both children and their 
caretakers. California Operation Lifesaver, the Federal Rail 
Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the 
California Public Utilities Commission and freight and passenger 
railroads are working together to improve railroad safety and educate 
children and adults about the dangers of not obeying the signs and 
signals around railroad property. The ``See Tracks? Think Train'' 
campaign by Operation Lifesaver and its federal partners aims to help 
reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatahties around railroad 
tracks by highlighting behaviors that put people at risk, and by 
conducting on-the-ground law enforcement trainings, safety 
presentations, and public awareness activities. Railroad operators, 
motor vehicle operators, and pedestrians will benefit from a combined 
effort by local, state, Federal, industry, and citizen efforts to 
promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize September as Rail Safety Month 
and September 24-30, 2017 as Rail Safety week. I ask all my colleagues 
to join me in commending efforts being made to improve railroad 
crossing safety.

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