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In 2008, two people were killed and 19 injured in 48 vehicle-train collisions at highway-rail grade crossings in Nebraska, according to the nonprofit group Nebraska Operation Lifesaver.

Lancaster and Lincoln counties had the most crashes, with five each, in 2008. Preliminary statistics through August show the state had 21 crossing incidents in 2009, resulting in five deaths and eight injuries.

Operation Lifesaver tips:

* Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.

* Do not be fooled. The train is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train coming, wait for it to pass before you go across the tracks.

* Be award that because of their size and weight, trains cannot stop quickly.

* Never race a train to the crossing. Even if you tie, you lose. And never drive around lowered gates.

* If your vehicle stalls on a track while a train is coming, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming. If you run in the same direction the train is traveling, you could be injured by flying debris when the train hits your car.