Palmetto Railways Participates in See Tracks? Think Train Week
PRESS RELEASE
Charleston, S.C. (September 23, 2024) – In support of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), Palmetto Railways is participating in See Tracks? Think Train® Week (formerly Rail Safety Week in the U.S.). The weeklong campaign, September 23-29, focuses on educating the public on rail safety and making good safe choices around railroad tracks and trains. According to OLI’s data, “every 3 hours in the United States, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train. More than 2,300 people are injured or killed annually in railroad crossing and trespass incidents in North America.”
OLI, a non-profit organization, is a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education. Since 1972, OLI has been committed to preventing collisions, fatalities and injuries on railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings. “At Palmetto Railways, safety is our number one priority and mission in all that we do. As a railroad operating in our surrounding communities, we have a responsibility to educate the public on railroad safety information and preventing railroad crossing and trespass incidents,” states Patrick McCrory, President & CEO of Palmetto Railways.
This week Palmetto Railways will share video messages of railroad track statistics with teammates and on LinkedIn and learn more at a team breakfast. Each day has an area of focus from warning signs and rail crossings to driver and pedestrian safety to stopping track tragedies. Friday will culminate the week with “Wear Red for Rail Safety.”
The need for continuous public education for rail safety is something Palmetto Railways fully supports. Being aware of the different types of warning signs and/or lights and signals at rail crossings are crucial. Going around signals and crossing gates can be extremely dangerous. Walking, jogging, playing, on or around tracks can be life threatening. A train can come from any direction and at any time.
Palmetto Railways prides itself on making rail safety a mindset, not just this week, but every day for our teammates.
About Palmetto Railways
Palmetto Railways, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, is a Class III short line railroad that supports South Carolina’s economic development efforts through technical assistance and consulting services in railroad matters to state, local and municipal governments. Established in 1969 as a state-owned and operated enterprise agency, Palmetto Railways provides general railroad services including rail car handling, repair and maintenance. For more information on Palmetto Railways, visit www.palmettorailways.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Brown
Director of Industrial Development
Palmetto Railways
(843) 727-2067
