Operation Lifesaver visits Piggott

A special Union Pacific passenger train is visiting Arkansas this week to promote highway-railroad crossing and pedestrian safety through the Operation Lifesaver program. The train made several stops in Piggott on Tuesday, giving local officials, the media and members of the public a chance to ride on the train and observe motorists at grade crossings.

Presenters with the Operation Lifesaver program also were aboard the train to answer questions about grade crossing safety. In addition, local law enforcement officials were riding along and watching for drivers violating railroad crossing laws. Information then was relayed to officers on the ground, who were poised to issue citations when motorists failed to obey warnings.

In most states, motorists are required to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at crossings when warning signals indicate a train is approaching. Drivers also are required to treat the x-shaped railroad crossing signs as either yield or stop signs when automatic signals have been activated.

The visit to the region will continue with departures from Court Street in Paragould beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 27. The visit to Jonesboro will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 28, with departures at 100 South Madison in that city and they'll wrap up the visit Friday in Pine Bluff.