BNSF News

Employees Address Safety Concerns during Local Event

2009-10-15

Employee concern about community safety resulted in BNSF's participation in Summer Safety Day in Somerville, Texas.

Locomotive Engineer Lawrence Kridler was concerned about vehicles going around gates at the main crossing in Somerville. As an engineer, Kridler has a bird's eye view of cars that may cut it close when crossing railroad tracks in front of a train.

To illustrate the point for the community, Kridler suggested bringing a car damaged in a car/train collision to Somerville to show residents what happens when car meets train.

Trainmaster Taber L. Foley suggested participating in the local police's Summer Safety Day after he overheard Kridler's conversation with Mike Williams, coordinator, Field Safety Support.

"Because this was brought to our attention, we were able to position the 'wrecked-car display' near the main street crossing for about five weeks," said Phillip Foster, regional manager, Field Safety Support. "We also were able to use the car on location while participating in the Summer Safety Day event."

City officials, community members and local police and fire expressed appreciation for BNSF's participation in Summer Safety Day.

"Seeing a vehicle damaged in a car/train collision may cause some drivers to think twice before driving around lowered railroad-crossing arms," Williams said.

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