OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- You're running late
to a high-stakes job interview when a train approaches a railroad
crossing along your route. Do you hit the gas, beating the train
across the tracks, or stop to let it pass? The choice is yours in
Union Pacific's interactive public railroad safety campaign
released today on Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and online news sites.
Watch and share videos on social media to help family and friends
prevent tragedies on railroad tracks.
"Trains cannot swerve or stop quickly, unfortunately for drivers
and pedestrians, trains follow the rails forward hitting anyone or
anything in their paths," said Cameron
Scott, Union Pacific executive vice president and chief
operating officer. "Train accidents are preventable if people
actively think about their safety at railroad crossings and choose
to stop and patiently wait for approaching trains."
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 94 percent of
train-vehicle collisions can be attributed to driver behavior or
poor judgment. Union Pacific's safety
campaign highlights risky driver and pedestrian behaviors in videos
dispelling misconceptions that a train's enormous size and sounds
are obvious warnings that prevent people from getting hit.
What's Your Choice?
Union Pacific's YouTube videos put
viewers in the driver's seat as hurried motorists approaching
railroad tracks. Viewers choose the ending by clicking a 'cross' or
'don't cross' option. Each choice leads the driver to a different
ending and reminds viewers it's worth the wait to spend a few
minutes letting trains pass at railroad crossings. Union
Pacific's "Curfew" video follows a teenage boy hurrying to get his
date home before curfew and racing to beat an approaching train at
a railroad crossing. Viewers decide what happens next.
Photos off the Tracks
In a second set of videos, Union Pacific uses animation to
address pedestrian safety and the dangers of taking photographs on
railroad tracks. Two videos separately feature a young man and
woman posing for photos in the middle of busy roads, making it
obvious people would not take photos there. A clear, open railroad
track follows with the question, "Why would you take your picture
here?" A loud approaching train breaks the silence highlighting
that taking pictures in both locations is a bad idea resulting in
similar outcomes.
Selfie Phenomenon
Two additional animated video spots address the dangers of
taking selfies on railroad tracks. One features a soccer fan taking
a selfie on the middle of the field during game action and another
shows young women taking selfies in front of landmarks. While there
are many unique and safe places to take selfies, Union Pacific
reminds viewers that railroad tracks are not among them.
Can't hear a train
Union Pacific dispels the myth that
loud, enormous roaring trains warn people to move before getting
hit in an animated video beginning with an open track on a sunny
day. It compares soft, natural outdoor sounds to the sound of an
approaching train. A message explains most of the train's noise is
behind the lead locomotive – people may not hear it until it's too
late.
It takes knowledge to make educated decisions and Union Pacific
encourages viewers to share the rail safety videos with friends and
family. For more information and requests for rail safety
presentations at no charge, please visit UPCARES.COM.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most
recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in
the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical
link in the global supply chain. In the last 10 years, 2007-2016,
Union Pacific invested approximately $34
billion in its network and operations to support America's
transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business
mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal,
Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S.
population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf
Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad
serving all six major Mexico
gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
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SOURCE Union Pacific