The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recently awarded a $61,325 grant to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), Los Angeles, CA, for a year-long campaign to promote public safety awareness on railroads.

Metrolink is conducting the campaign in collaboration with California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) and with the support of OTS.

“It is absolutely tragic to witness and experience the largely avoidable incidents along the tracks caused primarily by distracted pedestrians and drivers,” said Michael P. DePallo, Metrolink chief executive officer. “With the support of the California Office of Traffic Safety, Metrolink and its partners will continue striving to make people more aware of the ­dangers of unsafe behaviors on or near the tracks.”

Metrolink will use the funding as part of an ongoing commitment to keep roadways and rail crossings safe through safety education, information, and enforcement.

The grant will fund various activities, including:

* increasing the number of CAOL authorized volunteer presenters throughout the state;
* conducting a public safety conference in Southern California with stakeholders regarding safety at crossings; and
* working with communities and community leaders concerning issues that address safety at railroad highway grade crossing and rights-of-way.

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.