Program looks at train crossings from conductor's view

Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray found himself tensing up a couple of times on Wednesday.

Ray was among a group of area officials who journeyed by train to Madison as part of an Operation Lifesaver program. And there were moments when he thought something extremely bad was about to happen.

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit program designed to increase awareness about safety concerns at railroad crossings.

Lifesaver officials invited community members to travel from the Sheffield train yard to Madison for a demonstration. Along the way, they experienced train/road intersections from the train engineer's perspective.

"There was a time or two when we came to crossings and saw people dart across the tracks or they made us wonder if they were going to stop or not," Ray said. "You find yourself clinched up when you come to a crossing, wondering what, if anything, might happen."

Nancy Hudson, executive director of Alabama Operation Lifesaver, said the trip involved two passenger cars with monitors showing the engineer's view.

"The whole purpose is a public-awareness event," Hudson said. "At 55 mph, your vehicle takes 216 feet to stop. A 100-car freight train traveling at 55 mph needs over 1 mile to stop."

The weight ratio of a train versus a car is the same as that of a car versus a soda can, she said.

Hudson said she noticed some gasps from passengers Wednesday when a motorist hurried to beat a train at one crossing. The motorist made it safely, but those watching said it is not worth the risk.

Tim Wagnon, a local railroad worker and Operation Lifesaver volunteer, said motorists should expect a train at every crossing. He also stresses the train has the right of way.

He said Alabama is eighth in the nation in the reported number of wrecks at crossings. The state ranks ninth in fatalities.

"The cross-buck (railroad crossing) sign at the intersection means to yield," Wagnon said. "Flashing lights and gates require us to stop. When the gates are down, treat it as if the road is closed. Don't drive around the gates."

Sheffield has several railroad crossings, including one across Montgomery Avenue, a heavily traveled road downtown. Ray said if motorists use common sense and stay alert, a crash never should occur.

"If the driver of the car is paying attention, I can't see any reason in the world for this to happen," Ray said.

Hudson said Operation Lifesaver sponsors awareness and education programs for communities.

"We have specialized training classes available for emergency responders," Hudson said.

She said responders and other officials who rode Wednesday expressed great interest in the programs.

Randy Burns, a trainer involved in the program, said he plans to conduct training sessions in the area.

He said a rail-safety class for emergency responders lasts four hours and involves information on handling collisions and derailments of cars that contain hazardous materials.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.