Capitol Corridor debuts rail crossing safety video

The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority yesterday released a rail safety video in an effort to curb an increase in fatalities at its crossings.

The agency partnered with the Oakland Athletics (A's) baseball team to produce the video, which features the team's mascot and a voiceover from in-game host Kara Tsuboi.

The Capital Corridor's latest rail safety video

"Like the rest of the country, Capitol Corridor has seen a rise in fatalities due to people trespassing on railroad tracks," said Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority Chair Gail Murray in a press release. "We’ve been a longtime partner of the Oakland A’s, and felt that Stomper and Kara would bring the right balance of serious and fun to this life-saving message. We’re happy the A’s agreed to assist and are thrilled with the result."

According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, California has one of the highest trespasser fatality rates in the country, Capitol Corridor officials said, adding that the video is aimed at preventing future incidents "by educating people of all ages about the importance of rail safety."

The video's release coincides with California's "Rail Safety Month," which was instituted by the state legislature in 2009, Capital Corridor officials said.