Ed Strohbehn holds two signs that he created to place near railroad crossings in the area to inform people of what to do in the case of a railroad emergency or concern. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE — In the United States, every three hours a person or a vehicle is hit by a train. However, 95% of those collisions are preventable as they involve either trespassing or drivers trying to “beat the train.”

By federal law, a sign similar to this is required at every railroad crossing. The sign includes a phone number for the particular railroad and a crossing ID number that is unique to that particular intersection, allowing the service operator to identify the exact location of the concern. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

These are some tragic facts stressed by railroad safety advocate Ed Strohbehn.

What began as an interest in railroad safety has become a passion for Strohbehn. The Nappanee retiree is intent on sharing his knowledge with everyone, in hopes of educating others in its importance and what they can do to help others.

“Seventy percent of railroad fatalities involve trespassing,” he added. “And 50% of those trespassing deaths involve drugs or alcohol.”

Strohbehn is the founder of “Nappanee Rail Safety,” which he describes as a “retiree’s community education project.” As part of his efforts, he has created plastic signs that he places at area railroad crossings, informing motorists what they should do if they spot a railroad emergency or have a concern.

He also has created reference cards that he hands out from his tent at various local festivals and gatherings that he attends. The cards detail important rail safety information, including phone numbers, QR codes for additional information and helpful tips for railroad safety.

Strohbehn is a volunteer member of Indiana Operation Lifesaver, an organization dedicated to rail safety education. While he does not speak directly on the its behalf, he does derive much of the information that he shares from its rail safety advocacy.

“Indiana Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit committed to saving lives in an area many of us don’t think about or consider to be an issue and that is public rail safety education,” said Jessica Feder, the organization’s executive director. “Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle are hit by a train and it’s through outreach, dedication and action that we can make a lasting impact reducing collision and trespassing statistics on or near train tracks.”

Nappanee resident Ed Strohbehn has become a passionate advocate for railroad safety. He is pictured at a railroad crossing in his hometown next to an informational sign in case of a railroad emergency at that location. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

“Every railroad crossing has a small blue Emergency Notification System sign that includes that railroad’s phone number and the crossing ID number for reporting problems,” Strohbehn noted. “You should call the railroad if a vehicle is stuck on the tracks, to inform of a problem with a train, to report a signal malfunction or to notify them of a broken gate arm.”

Strohbehn added that in northern Indiana, particularly the Nappanee area, drivers have the unique added obstacle of Amish vehicles. He pointed out that It is illegal to pass any vehicle at crossings and that drivers should be extra patient with buggies, since horses can be skittish near railroad crossings.

“True impact for an organization comes from those who give without expecting anything in return,” said Feder. “Ed’s dedication, hard work and selflessness make a real difference for Indiana Operation Lifesaver because he gives so much with the sole purpose of saving lives and changing behaviors. Volunteers like Ed are the definition of making a difference and we are so fortunate to have him.”

“Be wise and safe,” Strohbehn concluded. “Obey railroad signs and signals, stay off the tracks, cross only at marked crossings and reach out to anyone hanging around the tracks. Small talk can save lives.

“If you find yourself stuck on the tracks and a train is coming, you should leave the area at a 45-degree angle. Run away from the tracks but toward the train’s direction to avoid flying debris.”

For further information, contact Strohbehn at [email protected], or visit his Facebook page by searching for “Nappanee Rail Safety.” For a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.”

Ed Strohbehn regularly sets up his Operation Lifesaver tent at various festivals and gatherings throughout the area, including at the National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart’s fundraising event in August. InkFreeNews photo provided by Ed Strohbehn.