Created: 4/17/2009 4:53:17 PM 
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL -- How many times have we seen someone try to rush across railroad tracks before the crossing arms come down and that train screams past? Last year, 25 people died in railway crossing incidents. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office believe the deaths could have been prevented. That's why next week, April 19th through 25th, St. Johns County deputies are participating in this year's Train Safety Awareness Week. Operation Lifesaver aims to increase everyone's awareness about the dangers around railways. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON OPERATION LIFESAVER "We are constantly striving to improve the highway-rail grade crossing in Florida," says Operation Lifesaver Coordinator Annette Lapkowski. "However, more than half of the collisions at these public crossings occur where active warning devices, such as flashing lights and gates, exist." The sheriff's office is asking motorists to Look, Listen and Live when approaching highway-rail crossing this week especially. If you don't, authorities will assist you. St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar says his deputies will be on the lookout for anyone using "unsafe driving practices" near railway crossings. The annual event is coordinated by Florida Operation Lifesaver and the Community Safety Teams.
