Union Pacific Urges Memorial Day Motorists to Use Caution at Grade Crossings

New Camera Technology Installed on Locomotives to Enhance Public Safety 


OMAHA, Neb., May 24  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With Memorial Day weekend marking the start of summer travel and vacations, Union Pacific Railroad urges motorists to use extra caution when approaching highway-rail grade crossings and to heed the warnings of automated crossing gates, flashing signals and crossbuck signs.  And, Union Pacific is enhancing public safety beyond these traditional devices through new technology -- installing more than 1,000 Track Image Recorders (TIRs) aboard locomotive cabs to digitally record an engineer's-eye view of the track, crossings and signals directly in front of a train as it travels over the rails.

"Installation of TIR equipment is another step in Union Pacific's commitment to employee and public safety," said Bob Grimaila, vice president -- environment and safety.  "This equipment is a valuable tool in assisting with the investigations of pedestrian or grade-crossing incidents.

"Grade crossing collisions across the United States have declined by 75 percent since 1972, and we are hopeful the TIR technology will help us further understand why drivers sometimes do not obey the warning devices at public grade crossings."

A small camera is mounted inside the locomotive cab, looking down the track providing the train crew's point of view.  A microphone is mounted outside to record the locomotive's air horn and bell.  The video image disk can record up to five days of information and is accessible only to authorized personnel for review.

TIR video images and locomotive event recorder data can be synchronized to provide detailed information about what occurred prior to an incident.

Jobs at Union Pacific

Currently, Union Pacific has job openings at many locations throughout its 23-state operating system.  Opportunities are available in train service, skilled disciplines (e.g., diesel mechanics and electricians) and management. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit http://www.up.com/ and click on "Jobs at UP."

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies.  Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal.  The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise. 

DATASOURCE: Union Pacific



CONTACT:  Mark Davis of Union Pacific, [phone]



Web site:  http://www.up.com/ 



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