WHEREAS, Traffic safety is an issue of paramount concern to American leaders and citizens; and

WHEREAS, A motor vehicle and railroad train collision occurs about every 90 minutes in the United States, and more than half of highway/rail crashes at public crossings occur where active warning devices exist; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, 4,633 crashes occurred nationwide at highway/rail crossings resulting in 597 fatalities and 1,894 injuries; and

WHEREAS, Enforcement of existing laws governing motorist action at grade crossings is essential in helping to reduce the number of collisions that result in more than 2,000 deaths and serious injuries each year; and

WHEREAS, Enforcement is one of the key elements in reducing the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities at highway/rail intersections and along railroad rights of way; and

WHEREAS, For the last 25 years law enforcement agencies nationally have participated in such programs as Officer on the Train, Adopt a Crossing, Grade Crossing Collision Prevention and Investigation classes, emergency vehicle driver training and others; and

WHEREAS, The IACP members working with Operation Lifesaver, a nationwide non-profit program, have helped prevent more than 7,200 deaths and 31,000 injuries since 1974; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 104th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, will commit to reducing the number of preventable tragedies at highway/rail grade crossings, will encourage law enforcement agencies to actively participate in and promote railroad crossing safety, and will encourage strict enforcement of railroad crossing laws.