Merced County Proclaims October as Railroad Safety Month

Merced County is where two of California’s major railroads, BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, continuously rumble down to deliver freight to far destinations.

Incidentally, approximately 103 accidents happen annually in California, more than half of which ends in deaths, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Other than that, the data also revealed that California was listed as the state with the most number of railroad trespassing incidents last year.

During a meeting last Tuesday, Merced County officials voted unanimously to pass an item proclaiming October as Railroad Safety Month.

Basically, such campaign is being conducted to spread awareness to the public.

According to one of the campaign’s advocates, Supervisor John Pedrozo, he, on behalf of his other colleagues, wants people to remember how important it is to stay off railroad tracks and observe the law.

Moreover, Pedrozo disclosed that the said initiative was kept alive by a former railroad employee from Bakersfield, Bob Alexander, who was very dedicated in educating people about the importance of train safety. In fact, Alexander was actually working with a non-profit organization, Operation Lifesaver, before he died last March.

Operation Lifesaver was founded in 1972 to spread awareness to communities over the state regarding rail safety and reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Advocates of the said initiatives believe that by spreading awareness to the community—including the city councils, students, and drivers—railroad and other train accidents can be avoided.

Also, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds residents near railroads that crossing over railroad tracks could mean trespassing since they are considered as private properties. In addition, there are properly designated public crossing for cars and pedestrians.

Meanwhile, aside from the advocates of the said campaign, a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer also agrees that parents play a very significant role in educating children. He stressed that parents are considered the most responsible parties in teaching their young children about railroad safety precautions.

Lindsay Lohan Arrested for Hit-and-run after Striking Pedestrian

Photo gives credit to Daily Mail.

The Mean Girls star, Lindsay Lohan was reportedly busted again on early morning last Wednesday after being charged with hit-and-run.

According to reports, Lohan was about to park her Porsche Cayenne at the Dream Hotel, a luxury Manhattan hotel, when her car allegedly hit the knee of Manhattan chef Jose Rodriguez. Shortly thereafter, Lohan and her other passengers allegedly stepped out of the car to check for vehicle damage and then proceeded into the hotel to attend an event as if nothing happened.

After the event, when Lindsay came out from the hotel, she was subsequently arrested by the New York police who were called by the victim for assistance.

Meanwhile, although the 34-year-old pedestrian did not sustain severe injury, he was still transported to Bellevue Hospital after complaining of pain. According to the attending physicians who examined Rodriguez, he had torn tendons, and he was given morphine for the pain.

Consequently, the 26-year-old actress was booked for a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of a pedestrian accident. However, she was later released with a desk appearance ticket, which means that she was not required by the police to pay bail. Moreover, Lohan was required to appear in court on October 23.

Furthermore, according to police commissioner Raymond Kelly, no breathalyzer test had been conducted during Lohan’s arrest since law enforcers believed that Lohan was sober.

Unfortunately for Lohan, the said incident could trigger her previous probations once a jury ruled that it was a violation of her probation terms. It is more likely that the young actress would face longer jail time or community service, cited by a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer.

It could be remembered that aside from her previous road mishaps, Lohan was also charged with theft just a while ago. Therefore, further engagement in troubles could definitely mean a more serious predicament for her.