house resolution no.168

Reps. O'Malley, Cherry, Garza, Hood, Leutheuser, Liberati, Love, Sabo and Wittenberg offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare September 22-28, 2019, as Rail Safety Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The state of Michigan is a leader in supporting highway-rail grade crossing and pedestrian safety programs; and

Whereas, Highway-grade crossing crashes during 2018 resulted in 1 person killed and another 15 persons injured in the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Pedestrian/railroad trespass incidents on railroad property during 2018 resulted in 6 persons killed and another 6 persons injured in the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Highway-grade crossing crashes are more severe than highway collisions and are more likely to result in death and injury; and

Whereas, Collisions between trains and other motor vehicles or pedestrians could have been prevented by increased public awareness of the appropriate safety laws and a greater understanding of the dangers at crossings and around railroad property; and

Whereas, Operation Lifesaver is the foremost public information and education program dedicated to preventing highway-rail grade crossing crashes and pedestrian/railroad trespass incidents; and

Whereas, On September 22-28, 2019, and throughout the year, all citizens are encouraged to observe added caution as motorists or pedestrians near tracks or trains; and

Whereas, This important observance should lead to greater safety awareness and a reduction in highway-rail grade crossing crashes and pedestrian/railroad incidents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 22-28, 2019, as Rail Safety Week in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to participate in activities to reduce crossing crashes and pedestrian/railroad trespass incidents during the week and throughout the year.