NIELSEN.docx

March 18, 1998
Laura R. Nielsen
Chalfontwest
4495 Silver Spur Avenue
Boise, ID 83709
Dear Mrs. Nielsen:
Governor Phil Batt has asked me to write you regarding your letter to him about railroad crossing accidents.  As the state agency responsible for  rail safety in Idaho, we share your concern about the number of deaths and injuries that result from grade crossing accidents in our state.
In your letter to the Governor you suggested the installation of a red, blue and white flashing strobe light on the front of all train engines as a method of attracting the attention of motorists to the oncoming trains.  We think that your suggestion has merit and we will explore your idea with the Railroad.  
Alot of people share your desire to make our railroad crossings safer. Operation Lifesaver is a national organization that is dedicated to eliminating all railroad crossing accidents if possible.  That organization does a great job of advertising in the media and giving thousands of presentations each year to schools and civic groups and other organizations preaching their motto of stop, look and live.  We are proud to be a part of that effort here in Idaho and of the fact that Operation Lifesaver began right here in our state some 25 years ago.  The latest safety effort is called the Ida Shield Project.  Hopefully, you have noticed the red and silver shields that have been installed on the railroad crossing sign posts at all of our crossings throughout the state.  It is hoped that these shields both during the day time and especially at night will attract attention of motorists to the fact that they are approaching a railroad crossing and therefore, stop, look and listen before proceeding over the crossing.
We understand that the Union Pacific Railroad is in the process of installing two additional lights on the front of their engines referred to as ditch light which will give a better view to the train engineers of the track ahead.  These additional lights should also help attract the attention of oncoming motorists.
We appreciate your concern in this matter and your willingness to try and help improve railroad crossing safety in Idaho.  We will let you know the result of our discussions with the Railroad on your suggestion.  Please feel free to call upon us if you have any questions or further comments.
Sincerely,
Dennis S. Hansen
President
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