The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – The Virginia State Corporation Commission, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Virginia Railway Express and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation are joining forces to recognize the second annual Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day on June 24. This national observance brings attention to the importance of Emergency Notification System signs located where roadways cross railroad tracks.
Many Americans are unaware of the vital role ENS signs play in preventing tragedies at railroad crossings. In urgent situations, knowing how to locate and use this sign can make all the difference when seconds count. Posted at highway-rail grade crossings, the blue-and-white signs display a railroad emergency phone number and a unique ID number that allows railroad dispatchers to quickly identify the location of an incident and take appropriate action.
Knowing where to find and how to use an ENS sign can help save lives. They are an important but often overlooked railroad safety tool,” said Tracey Lamb, deputy director of the SCC Division of Utility and Railroad Safety and Virginia state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver. “Whether it is a vehicle stalled on the tracks, a malfunctioning crossing signal, or another emergency near the railroad, the information on the ENS sign helps connect the public and first responders directly with the railroad when every second matters.”
If a vehicle becomes stuck on railroad tracks, Operation Lifesaver recommends:
- Exiting the vehicle immediately.
- Moving away from the tracks to a safe location.
- Locating the blue-and-white ENS sign and calling the emergency number posted on the sign.
- Providing the crossing ID number to the dispatcher.
“As we commemorate June as National Safety Month, it’s vital that we promote rail safety along Virginia’s more than 3,100 miles of railroad,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “When there is an incident on the railroad in your community, using the ENS sign can safely halt rail traffic and prevent a potentially deadly consequence. It just takes one call. Find the sign.”
“With over 4,200 railroad crossings in Virginia, every community across the Commonwealth is a partner in promoting rail safety. Utilizing ENS signs in an emergency can save your or someone else’s life,” said Mariia Zimmerman, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “Take a second to educate yourself about rail crossing safety because you won’t get a second chance to in a crisis.”
“Rail is the safest form of surface transportation, but it is critical that riders, drivers and pedestrians stay vigilant around tracks and railroad crossings. ENS signs allow the public to notify the railroad of malfunctioning equipment and other emergencies to help keep everyone’s travel safe,” said Virginia Railway Express CEO Katie Choe.
All Virginians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with ENS signs before an emergency occurs. Increasing awareness of these signs can help prevent tragedies and improve railroad safety throughout the Commonwealth. The SCC administers the Operation Lifesaver railroad safety education program in Virginia. For more information about Operation Lifesaver and its resources, visit oli.org.
