Fairlea, WV (WOAY) – A model train display at the State Fair is doing more than entertaining kids. It’s teaching them how to stay safe around real railroad tracks.
The setup belongs to Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit focused on preventing collisions, injuries and deaths involving trains. The group’s booth in the West Virginia Building uses the full model train set to draw children in and start a conversation about the risks of being on or near the tracks.
Eric McEwuen, West Virginia state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, said train incidents happen far too often, and that education matters in a state crossed by so many rail lines.
“Every 3 hours in the United States, somebody, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train, and we’re trying to reduce that,” McEwuen said.
The booth is aimed squarely at the youngest fairgoers, with giveaways and hands-on material meant to plant the safety message early.
“We got a lot of stuff for kids to get them you know, when they’re little to remind them that the railroad tracks are not a place to be unless you’re driving the train,” McEwuen said.
Families can stop by the West Virginia Building to meet the group, pick up a railroad hat and learn more.
