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  • [Train bells and whistle]

  • NARRATOR: With higher speeds coming to Michigan passenger trains,

  • and four major railroads and about 20 shortline railroads currently operating in the state,

  • drivers need to pay close attention when they approach a railroad crossing.

  • Don't ever take a chance at a railroad crossing.

  • Slow down.

  • Obey the signs and signals.

  • If the lights are flashing and/or the gates are activated, you are required to stop.

  • The lights and gates are there to save your life.

  • State law prohibits a motorist from driving around crossing gates when they are lowered.

  • The consequences can be tragic.

  • JEFF CAMPBELL: "This accident definitely could have been prevented.

  • The fact that the driver tried to cross the tracks

  • is what caused the crash.

  • And that is the easiest way to prevent something like this is

  • to have drivers just exercise some patience."

  • NARRATOR: Michigan's 4,800 public train crossings are safe and meet state and federal standards.

  • About half have automatic warning devices, including lights or gates, or both.

  • Flashing lights and gates have been installed on all crossings on the Amtrak-owned line

  • designated for high-speed rail from Kalamazoo west to the state line.

  • So why do 60 percent of the crashes occur at crossings where there are active warning devices?

  • People are in a hurry, or they misjudge the speed of a train.

  • Even if the train engineer sees a car on the track, there's little they can do.

  • SAM CROWL: "One in particular that I remember

  • was a driver of a car, coming up on the tracks,

  • looking at me, as I made eye contact with him, just before impact.

  • The driver was killed."

  • NARRATOR: Here are some very important facts about trains -

  • facts that could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.

  • It can take a mile or more for a train going 55 miles per hour to stop, once the emergency brakes are applied.

  • That's 18 football fields!

  • The train you see is faster-moving and closer than you think.

  • If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

  • Passenger and freight trains use the same tracks

  • but travel at different speeds.

  • Don't fool yourself that you can determine the speed of a train.

  • [Train roaring by]

  • Here are more crossing safety tips from Operation Lifesaver:

  • Focus your attention and follow the law.

  • Hang up your phone, remove earphones, turn down music,

  • and don't text, e-mail, or use social media while driving or walking near tracks.

  • Do not get trapped on the tracks.

  • Proceed through a crossing only if you're sure you can completely clear it without stopping.

  • Always expect a train at any crossing.

  • Trains can come from either direction, at any time.

  • Look and listen for a train as you approach every crossing

  • and be prepared to stop if needed.

  • Remember, the life you save may be your own.

  • [Train crossing bells]

[Train bells and whistle]

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