Union Pacific Locomotive Engineer Raises Communities’ Awareness of Rail Safety

Having witnessed firsthand the unsafe choices sometimes made around railroad tracks and crossings, Union Pacific Locomotive Engineer Rob Kennedy is committed to increasing public awareness of the importance of rail safety.

An Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) volunteer since 2007, Kennedy travels across Iowa and Nebraska, visiting state fairs, schools, minor league baseball games and more to reinforce the potential risks of trying to beat a train to highway-rail grade crossings.

One point Kennedy consistently emphasizes: "Incidents and collisions are preventable with proper choices."

In fact, more than 95% of rail-related fatalities are preventable, according to the Association of American Railroads. Rail safety education programs like OLI - a national nonprofit that in 2017 established Rail Safety Week - aim to reduce the likelihood of train and pedestrian collisions.

"It's a great program and opportunity to educate the public about crossing safety," said Kennedy, a 20-year railroader. "I stay quite busy, and I appreciate the support of Union Pacific and my team through the years."

In his presentations, Kennedy informs motorists and pedestrians of the importance of recognizing the blue and white emergency notification signs posted at every railroad crossing. While operating a locomotive, he makes a point to scan crossings' active warning and control devices, notifying the railroad's Engineering Department if he notices any potential risks.

As a part-time police officer in Council Bluffs and Carter Lake, Iowa, Kennedy is no stranger to public safety. In a previous role as a Union Pacific Police officer, Kennedy often made OLI presentations for high school driver's education classes.

Union Pacific trains traverse 32,000 miles of track, serving hundreds of communities. During Rail Safety Week, the railroad emphasizes the importance of rail safety across its 23-state network, reminding the public to always stay alert near tracks and crossings.

To learn more about Operation Lifesaver Inc. or become a volunteer, visit oli.org.

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