WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVF) — A campaign designed to encourage people to use greater caution at railroad crossings has been relaunched.
The campaign - which costs $5.6 million and is called "Stop. Trains Can't." - is spearheaded by the U.D. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
According to a release from the Department of Transportation (USDOT) , 270 people were killed at railroad crossings alone. 99 of those deaths were after drivers attempted to go around lowered crossing gate arms, which USDOT points out that this is a ten-year high.
The number of people who have died while trying to cross railroad tracks over the last five years reaches 798.
"Road safety is NHTSA's mission, and too many lives are lost every year when drivers disregard safety warnings at rail crossings," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. "Working with Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao and FRA, we want every American to understand the danger surrounding rail crossings and to act with safety in mind. Trying to save a few minutes can cost you your life."
The "Stop. Trains Can't." advertising will run from April 16 through May 12. For more information, head to the NHTSA website.
