New Mexico Initiates Safety Program for ATV's

Bobby J's Yamaha Hosts Safety Program Friday

(Albuquerque, NM August 26, 2009)  – New Mexico all-terrain vehicle (ATV) owners are the focus of a new safety program to educate ATV riders not to ride on or near railroad tracks. The goal of the effort is to reduce the trespassers along the Belen to Santa Fe Corridor, followed by other areas throughout New Mexico. 

Members of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), NM Rail Runner Express, BNSF, and NM Operation Lifesaver will visit Albuquerque-area ATV retail outlets this Friday to inform ATV riders of the dangers of trespassing on railroad rights-of-way. 

“We want to head off any injuries or fatalities by letting New Mexicans know not to ride their ATVs on or near railroad tracks,” said Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments.

NM Operation Lifesaver is partnering with the FRA to contact Albuquerque-area ATV dealerships and offer Operation Lifesaver’s new ATV safety cards for them to distribute.

“This program stresses that railroad tracks and railroad rights-of-way are private property, and that trespassing is illegal and dangerous,” said New Mexico OL State Coordinator Stephanie Paiz.  “Only railroad employees, contractors, or government officials are allowed on railroad property, which is anywhere within 25 feet of the tracks. Everyone else is subject to trespassing laws and fines, as well as the possible loss of their own life.”

FRA statistics show that in New Mexico last year, there were 11 trespassing fatalities.

Contacts: 

• Stephanie Paiz, Safety Coordinator 505-414-1308

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