MEDIA ADVISORY: Sept. 19-25 is Rail Safety Week in North America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jennifer DeAngelis, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., news@oli.org, 202-815-4340

September 14, 2022               

MEDIA ADVISORY

Sept. 19-25 is Rail Safety Week in North America

Raising Rail Safety Awareness to Stop Track Tragedies

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, and its safety partners Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are leading this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week in North America,September 19-25. In the U.S., each day of Rail Safety Week will emphasize a different theme. This year the U.S. is planning a hybrid observance, with in-person events led by state Operation Lifesaver programs as well as virtual activities and social media efforts to share lifesaving messages.

Federal statistics show that every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train; approximately 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year in these preventable incidents. Rail Safety Week is observed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico each September.

WHAT:                         Rail Safety Week throughout North America

WHEN:                         Monday, Sept. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022

DAILY THEMES:

• Monday, September 19 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities as well as urging people to take the Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Pledge. Operation Lifesaver, Inc. will release new #STOPTrackTragedies video public service announcements (PSAs).
• Tuesday, September 20 focuses on the annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in person positive enforcement events; first responders will share RSW messages virtually through social media, email messaging and website posts.
• Wednesday, September 21 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the general public including new and mature drivers, shift workers, school bus drivers and farmers as well as outdoor enthusiasts on safe crossing techniques with special attention to the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings.
• Thursday, September 22,Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety,showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider as well as safe choices around railroad tracks and trains for professional drivers.
• Friday, September 23focuses onVolunteering for Operation Lifesaver along with Wearing Red or "Red Out" for Rail Safety by encouraging safety organizations, partners, schools, railroads and the general public to wear red at public events and to share photos on social media.
• Saturday, September 24 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, college students, people experiencing homelessness and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.
• Sunday, September 25 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers as well as social media influencers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

You can help #STOPTrackTragedies by knowing the facts, making good decisions, taking the Rail Safety Pledge and sharing rail safety messages. 

MORE INFO:                Visit Operation Lifesaver’s website for safety tips and statistics, oli.organd visit the Rail Safety Week landing page.

CONTACT:                   Jennifer DeAngelis, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., news@oli.org, 202-815-4340

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About Operation Lifesaver  

Operation Lifesaver, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1972, is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. In 1986 the non-profit Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) national office was created to help support and coordinate efforts of state Operation Lifesaver programs, saving lives by sharing rail safety messages with audiences across the U.S. and beyond. OLI programs are active in 47 states and the District of Columbia. A national network of trained volunteers gives free rail safety presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI’s free Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) provides critical information for first responders when managing incidents around tracks and trains. Learn more about OLI and Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. 

About Operation Lifesaver Canada

Operation Lifesaver Canada is a national public rail-safety program sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CP, VIA Rail, Metrolinx, exo, West Coast Express and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. OL works in partnership with railways, law enforcement agencies, governments, and other safety focused organizations to promote rail safety. Through its national network of Rail Safety Ambassadors, partnerships with safety councils, police, the trucking industry and community groups, and innovative tools such as its virtual-reality Look. Listen. Live. campaign, Operation Lifesaver Canada works to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards of rail crossings and trespassing on railway property. Canadians can keep up-to-date on the latest rail safety news by visiting operationlifesaver.ca.

About the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF)

The Asociación Mexicana de Ferrocarriles, AC (AMF) was established in 2004 to represent the country’s private railway companies and promote their activity. In 2008 passenger rail companies joined the AMF. Learn more athttps://amf.org.mx/and follow AMF on Twitter.