Indiana Rail Road gears up for grade crossing safety effort

Starting Wednesday, Indiana Rail Road Co. (INRD) will conduct a grade crossing "blitz" in partnership with the Terre Haute Police Department and Indiana Operation Lifesaver.

Police officers and INRD employees will provide safety materials to passing motorists at the Margaret Avenue crossing in Terre Haute, Ind., INRD officials said in a press release.

They'll also hand out coloring books for children.

The "blitz" is designed to proactively remind the public of the dangers of trespassing on rail property, INRD officials said.

"Train versus car collisions are completely preventable," said Jessica Feder, Executive Director of Indiana Operation Lifesaver. "We want the public to know how dangerous it is to try and beat a train and that trespassing on railroad tracks and property is dangerous and illegal."

The safety efforts follow the news that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence declared this week "Indiana Rail Safety Week."