UP launches safety campaign aimed at truckers

Union Pacific Railroad has launched an outdoor billboard campaign aimed at getting South Texas truck drivers to safely use railroad crossings. At the center of the campaign is a yellow traffic sign featuring an 18-wheeler truck stuck on railroad tracks. Along with this visual warning comes a variety of written reminders, including, "Always expect a train," "Keep your rear clear," and for Spanish-speaking drivers, "Cuidado con el tren" ("Use caution with trains"). An estimated 1.3 million South Texas drivers will view these messages over the next year. The messages will be displayed on six billboards located along Interstate 35, between San Antonio and Laredo. "There has been an increase in heavy truck traffic across the rail line that parallels I-35 and we hope to reach truck drivers before they cross the tracks," said Mike Brazytis, superintendent for UP's San Antonio Service Unit. "The signs will remind them to stop for trains and ensure their trucks are equipped to safely cross the tracks." Trucks that are longer than the space between the highway and the railroad tracks often leave their bumpers hanging over the tracks. And heavy trucks that lack enough space between the bottom of their trailers and the grade crossing often get stuck on the tracks. Both scenarios pose the life-threatening risk of collision with trains. The billboards encourage professional truck drivers to follow traffic laws requiring them to allow enough space between their trucks and the railroad tracks. They also remind drivers to make sure they have adequate vertical clearance before attempting to cross the tracks. "Union Pacific is literally raising the rail safety message to remind professional truck drivers of their responsibility to cross the tracks safely," said Webb County Judge Danny Valdez. "The billboards will also reach the general public, which will make our community even safer."