MISSOURI ON RIGHT TRACK WITH FEWER RAIL INJURIES

More Missourians have learned to stop, look and listen at railroad grade crossings. The payoff is fewer deaths and injuries. Educational programs, stepped-up enforcement of crossing violations, and installation of signals at dangerous crossings have enabled Missourians to get on the right track when it comes to railroad safety.

A total of 28 people were killed and 58 injured last year in grade crossing and trespassing accidents in Missouri. That's down from 35 deaths and 45 injuries in 1990.

Southeast Missouri fared even better than other parts of the state. The number of grade crossing accidents in this part of the state fell sharply. Only three fatalities were reported in this region: two in Stoddard County and one in Scott County. Those 1991 figures reflect a marked contrast to a few years ago when Butler, Stoddard and Scott Counties were among the top five counties statewide in grade crossing accidents and fatalities.

Missouri's Operation Lifesaver program deserves much of the credit. These educational programs have raised awareness for both adults and children. The Missouri Highway Patrol has also helped spread the word. Troopers riding on trains help to find and punish drivers who violate railing crossing safety rules, such as driving around lowered crossing gates. Their presence has served as a powerful deterrent. Additionally, the state has installed signals at some of the more dangerous grade crossings.

Many of these deaths result from drivers trying to beat the train. Waiting a few minutes is far better than the alternative. Too often, the driver is the loser.

One disturbing trend is the fact the number of trespassers killed on railroad property increased sharply last year. Already this year, nine people have been killed in Missouri in a dozen trespassing incidents. That compares to six deaths and 10 injuries in all of last year. These people were struck by trains while trespassing on railroad property, or attempting to climb onto moving trains.

The state trend is in line with the declining national numbers. There were 5,350 collisions between trains and motor vehicles, which resulted in 602 deaths. That's down from 698 fatalities in 1990.

Missouri is headed in the right direction in terms of railroad fatalities and injuries. But too many lives are still lost needlessly each year. If we all remember three little words, the numbers would continue to drop dramatically: Stop, look and listen. It's lifesaving advice at railroad grade crossings.