Spencer, IA (northwestiowanow) — Iowans are being advised to pay close attention at railroad crossings during Rail Safety Week.

The annual campaign focuses on the message, “See Tracks, Think Train.”

Mike Reiner with the Operation Lifesaver program recently spoke with KICD News during the Clay County Fair.

Reiner said education is another important part of railroad safety, including reaching new drivers before they get behind the wheel.

He says safety efforts have made a substantial difference since Operation Lifesaver began in 1971.

The Iowa DOT says the state averages nearly 60 railroad crossing crashes each year, with about one-third resulting in injuries. Five railroad crashes resulted in deaths between July of last year and June of this year.