Enforcement and Railroad Traffic Safety Tips News Conference NA14003gb

WHAT:   
News conference to announce traffic enforcement initiatives directed to motorists and pedestrians who fail to abide by vehicle laws near or at railroad crossings.    

WHEN:  
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
10:00 a.m.

WHERE:      
Union Pacific Gemco Yard
7801 Van Nuys Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91402  

WHO:         
Captain Maureen Ryan, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, Officer-in-Charge, Valley Traffic Detectives
Chief Steven Zipperman, Los Angeles School Police Department
Captain Ron Caruso, Burbank Police Department
Ms. Lupe Valdez, Director of Public Affairs, Union Pacific Railroad
Mr. Kevin Scroggins, Security Manager, Metrolink
Mr. David Albert, Regional Emergency Manager, Amtrak
    
WHY:
In the United States, a train collides with a vehicle or pedestrian approximately every three hours.  In the City of Los Angeles, last year, there were eight deaths involving train collisions. Some of these tragedies occurred because pedestrians were not obeying rail traffic laws.

In an effort to increase motorist and pedestrian safety near railroad tracks, law enforcement officers will aggressively enforce the State’s railroad crossing laws. Pedestrians, including students, must cross railroad crossings. During the press conference, traffic safety tips will be provided to motorists and pedestrians to avoid becoming a rail collision statistic.

VISUALS:
Visuals will include a Union Pacific locomotive which may be boarded by media representatives.  A short train ride-a-long will be available for the media. Anyone riding the train is asked to wear at minimum a 6 inch high laced up work boot with a defined heel.  Media riders must sign a release of liability waiver. Officers will be citing individuals who do not abide by vehicle code laws at railroad crossings and right of ways
 
CONTACT:
For additional information, please contact Media Relations at 213486-5910, or Detective Bustos at 818-644-8021 or 213-841-9060.