News sources report, an online safety video game is aimed at preventing collisions between trains and large trucks like the June 24 collision near Reno that involved a big rig and an Amtrak train and killed six.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in 2010, 70 people died in 511 collisions between large trucks and trains.
The Web-based game features a simulated driving environment. Throughout the game, drivers are faced with worst-case scenarios, said a representative of Operation Lifesavers Inc., the company that produces the game. The scenarios require players to quickly think on their feet and make critical decisions.
The ProDriver Safety Challenge game was developed with the help of a professional truck driver with 2.5 millions safely driven miles under his belt. He said that the game is designed to teach drivers how to eliminate distractions, slow down, and follow safety protocols when approaching railroad crossings.
Approximately 15,000 truckers have participated in the safety game since June 9. OLI is aiming to reach 100,000 professional drivers in 2011 and eventually all truckers.
As a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney, I encourage all motorists, not just professional truck drivers, to use caution and practice safe driving habits when on the road and approaching railroad crossings.