Commentary

Auto Skills Contest Encourages Excellence

Since 1949, AAA, in partnership with an automobile manufacturer, has held an automotive competition that has grown into today's Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills contest with more than 6,000 students representing 1,000 schools nationwide.
     This year, the Colorado contest date is scheduled for May 5 at Sears Automotive Center at Southwest Plaza (in Littleton). The competition thoroughly tests modern diagnostic and repair skills by placing automotive students in a side-by-side competition to repair deliberately disabled vehicles. This competition would not be possible without the dedication and assistance from Denver Automotive Diesel College, Sears, Ford's Asset program and the Occupational Education System at Front Range Community College. At stake are scholarships and prizes, as well as the opportunity to compete at the national finals held in Washington D.C. in June.
     Why is AAA involved in an automotive competition? Technology has revolutionized the automotive industry. Computers now control more than 80 percent of the functions on a new vehicle. With almost 150 million cars registered in the United States, and 15 million new vehicles sold every year, the country is facing a critical shortage of highly skilled, well-trained automotive technicians.
     Because of the skills required-and the shortage of qualified technicians-starting salaries can reach $35,000, more than the beginning salaries for some airline pilots. An experienced technician can take home more than $65,000 per year.
     We also face the challenges of providing adequate computer-based training for today's auto-repair personnel and changing the image of this profession. Today's technicians needs to be handy with both a wrench and a computer, be comfortable with complex mathematical equations, and be able to communicate clearly with customers about highly technical automotive systems.
     Programs like the Student Auto Skills contest can attract young people into a cutting-edge profession that offers instant employment and excellent salaries, and is essential in keep our automobiles safe, efficient and performing properly.

Always Expect a Train
A Guest Commentary

by Sherry M. Jones

     The headlines read, "Two Killed, One Critically Injured as Van Collides with Train." Connected to life support, surrounded by an octopus of tubes and covered with heavy casts, I gasped for each breath in the hospital's intensive care unit. Due to the severity of my internal injuries, I was given less than a five percent chance of survival. The next morning, as the fog began to lift from my drug-clouded mind, I learned the devastating news that my newlywed husband, Ken, and his uncle had been killed. A huge windbreak of trees had obstructed our driver's view of the train on a rural road in Iowa, at a crossing that was not equipped with active warning devices.
     Our 1995 collision was not an isolated incident. Every 120 minutes a vehicle or trespasser is hit by a train in the United States. In 1999, at least 402 people were killed and 1,396 seriously injured in 3,489 highway-rail grade crossing collisions.*
     "Our goal is to prevent 911 calls. Once the calls have been dispatched the damage is irreparable," says Lieutenant Eric Sondeen, Littleton firefighter and state coordinator for the Colorado chapter of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI). Headquartered in Virginia, OLI is a non-profit, nationwide public education program dedicated to reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities at intersections where roadways meet railways and along railroad rights-of-way.
     As a certified trainer for the Colorado chapter of OLI (CO-OL), I have joined more than 2,500 volunteers across the country who have been trained to deliver Operation Lifesaver's safety message: "Always expect a train-look, listen and live!" If we can save one life through our safety presentations, then our efforts are not in vain. "Engineering efforts can only go so far. Motorist's awareness is the key to safety," says Paul Brown, senior transportation engineer for Carter-Burgess and certified trainer for CO-OL.
     Operation Lifesaver, Inc. offers the following safety information through their presentations, brochures and Web sites:

Driving Tips

» Never drive around lowered gates-it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the toll-free number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency. » Never race a train to the crossing. If you lose, you may never have a second chance.
» Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
» If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
» When you are waiting for a train to pass at a multiple tracks crossing, watch out for a second train on the other tracks before crossing.
» Always expect a train! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
» Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That is 18 football fields!
» Do not be fooled by the optical illusion-the train you see is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

Source: Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Web site at www.oli.org Certified presenters are available to speak to schools, scout groups, community service groups and driver education classes. If you would like to schedule a free highway-rail safety presentation, contact our Colorado state coordinator, Eric Sondeen at P.O. Box 24561, Denver, CO 80224-0561 or visit Colorado OLI's Web site at www.co-ol.org

*Final 1999 Federal Railroad Administration statistics combined for public and private crossings. Sherry M. Jones is an author, inspirational speaker and Ph.D. student. She may be reached via e-mail at SMJSpeaks@aol.com

Railroad Track Facts and Tips

1 Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is illegal-trespassers are subject to arrest and fines. Too often, the penalty is death.
2 There are 200,000 miles of railroad tracks in the United States.
3 Since 1990, more than 5,000 people have been killed while trespassing on railroad rights-of-way and property.
4 Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.
5 Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
6 Do not hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges-there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.
7 Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.
8 Remember: rails and recreation do not mix!

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