Union Pacific locomotive engineer urges the public to remain vigilant at railroad crossings

More than 95% of rail-related deaths are preventable. This statistic from the Association of American Railroads motivates Union Pacific Railroad locomotive engineer Mel Doughty to advocate for highway grade crossing safety at every opportunity.

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Building on his military experience as a safety officer in the field artillery, Doughty participated in Operation Lifesaver (OLI) and Union Pacific’s crossing accident reduction education and safety program, known as UP CARES, to promote safe behavior on railroad tracks.

“If we can get the public to stop and think about safe decisions when they see railroad tracks, I am confident we can further reduce the number of crossing accidents,” said Doughty, who is raising awareness among railroad customers and local ones want to sharpen communities.

The blue emergency notification sign is attached to every railway crossing.

Doughty and his OLI team participate in events in Wyoming such as Cheyenne Frontier Days, Safe Kids Day and Depot Days, educating citizens about the importance of emergency notification signage at railroad crossings. In 2023, Doughty delivered more than 75 rail safety presentations, reaching more than 27,000 pedestrians, motorists and professional truck drivers.

In Laramie, Wyoming, up to 80 customer trucks travel three busy railroad mainlines each day. Cheyenne OLI volunteers regularly conduct safety presentations at local truck driving schools and customer sites, emphasizing the potential risks associated with driving and working near railroad tracks.

“The goal is for professional drivers to understand that their actions impact not only their own lives, but the lives of so many others,” Doughty said.

Doughty shares his knowledge of rail safety with truck drivers in Wyoming.

“Most people have never noticed the blue and white emergency sign posted at every public intersection,” Doughty said. “We make it a team goal – by the end of the presentation, participants will never lose sight of it again.”

Doughty recently presented materials to students at SAGE Truck Driving Schools.

“The commitment Mel shows makes the presentation special,” he said Mike Smith, Director, SAGE Truck Driving Schools. “Union Pacific is blessed to have such a loyal and dedicated employee, and we are equally blessed to have him as a friend.”

Visit UPCARES.com to download rail safety PSAs and find additional rail safety information and links to Union Pacific’s rail safety partners. To learn more about Operation Lifesaver or to become a volunteer, visit oli.org.