MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Since 1972, Operation Lifesaver has been an aide in preventing railroad accidents.

Volunteer Curtis Stewart said he joined the organization 17 years ago because one of his community members was hit by a train in a preventable accident.

"The first year they reduced highway rail accidents by 39 percent," Stewart said.

The organization lives by the three E's: empowerment, education, and engineering.

"We have professionals that engineer railroad crossings to be safer."

As the railroad crossings become safer, many accidents are attributed to community members wearing headphones.

"Headphones are becoming an issue because trains are a lot quieter," Stewart said. "Locomotives have to almost meet the emission standards of a car."

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Operation Lifesaver, visit OLI.org.