Statement on International Crossing Awareness Day by OLI Interim President Wende Corcoran

In the United States, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is once again pleased to observe International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on June 7, with this year’s target audience of young level crossing users. Joining with more than 40 countries worldwide, our national and state Operation Lifesaver programs will highlight the importance of educating drivers and pedestrians about the importance of using caution at all crossings and along train tracks.

In the U.S., preliminary statistics for 2017 show that total collisions at crossings rose by 3.2% from 2016, and deaths caused by these collisions have risen as well.

OLI is committed to reducing these collisions and protecting our nation’s families and communities from having to endure these preventable tragedies. Our national awareness campaign, See Tracks? Think Train! along with these driving safety tips, can help save lives at crossings. 

This year, we have released a 10-minute new driver training video, “How to Drive Near Trains,” and a 30-second public service announcement inviting teens and other new drivers to watch the video and enter a sweepstakes for prizes. We also have engaging new educational materials for youths aged 5-14 to teach them about safety at crossings.

Over the past 10 years, ILCAD has promoted a global goal to eliminate incidents, deaths and injuries on and near railroad property. To extend these efforts, OLI also will coordinate Rail Safety Week, September 23-29, 2018, working with Operation Lifesaver Canada to continue these lifesaving messages in North America.