Reckless or careless behavior can have deadly consequences
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Dec. 18, 2008 – As the snow piles up outside, Iowans are bracing for another harsh winter. That’s bad news for motorists but good news for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Co. (CRANDIC) is encouraging snowmobilers to heed Iowa’s snowmobile laws and make safety a priority when operating near railroad right-of-ways.
According to Iowa law, railroad right-of-way is “the full width of property owned, leased or subject to easement for railroad purposes.” Further, it is not limited to areas where tracks are located. Snowmobile drivers caught trespassing on right-of-ways risk substantial penalties if caught.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, highway-rail and trespassing incidents accounted for more than 90 percent of all national rail fatalities from January – September 2008. “Any type of vehicle that comes into contact with a train is going to sustain substantial damage,” said Wade Swindle, safety coordinator – CRANDIC. “More importantly, snowmobile operators and passengers stand little chance of surviving a collision.”
Swindle says snowmobile associations have done a commendable job establishing and marking trails to ensure safe travel along rural terrain. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean everyone is following the trails or the general laws outlined in the state’s snowmobile handbook 100 percent of the time. “We encourage snowmobilers to ride responsibly and help spread the word that encroaching on railroad property could be deadly,” Swindle added.
The award-winning CRANDIC Railway, an Alliant Energy Transportation company, began operations in 1904. Employees operate and maintain more than 100 miles of track in four east central Iowa counties. With an established reputation for outstanding safety and customer service, CRANDIC is a vital link to economic growth in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor.
