"Installation of TIR equipment is another step in Union Pacific's commitment to employee and public safety," said Bob Grimaila, vice president for safety and environment. "This equipment is a valuable tool in assisting with the investigations of pedestrian or grade-crossing incidents."

UP began installing TIRs in 2005 and has more than 4,000 locomotives equipped with TIRs out of its over-the-road locomotive fleet of more than 6,000 locomotives. More than 85 percent of Union Pacific's road freight trains now have a TIR-equipped locomotive in the lead.

A small camera is mounted inside the locomotive cab, looking down the track and providing the train crew's point of view. A microphone is mounted outside to record the locomotive's air horn and bell. The video image disk can record up to five days of information.

TIR video images and locomotive event recorder data can be synchronized to provide detailed information about what occurred prior to an incident.

"Now, when a train crew gets on board a locomotive and they see a TIR camera, they know that technology is there to help us help them to have a safer trip," said Grimaila.