MEDIA ADVISORY - Sept. 21-27 is Rail Safety Week in North America

U.S. Department of Transportation Supports Effort to Stop Track Tragedies

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the 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 21-27. In the U.S., each day of Rail Safety Week will emphasize a different theme. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year Rail Safety Week will emphasize virtual activities and social media to share lifesaving messages.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train; 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 the last week in September.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, “The Department is committed to working with communities, as well as domestic and international partners, to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety near railroads.”

“Rail Safety Week raises awareness of the need for caution near railroad crossings and train tracks. We appreciate the support of Secretary Chao, the U.S. Department of Transportation and all our Rail Safety Week partners,” said Operation Lifesaver Executive Director Rachel Maleh.

Three emotional new video and audio public service announcements (PSAs) in the #STOPTrackTragedies campaign will be released during the week.

WHAT:                         Rail Safety Week in North America

WHEN:                         Monday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 27

• Monday, September 21 kicks off the week a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities.
• Tuesday, September 22 focuses on Law Enforcement and First Responder Partnerships as part of the fourth annual observance of Operation Clear Track, emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws.
• Wednesday, September 23 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to professional drivers on safe crossing techniques and highlighting the blue and white emergency notification system (ENS) signs at crossings.
• Thursday, September 24,Transit Safety Thursday,showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider.
• Friday, September 25 focuses on Wearing Red or “Red Out” for Rail Safety to show support for safety near tracks and trains.
• Saturday, September 26 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.
• Sunday, September 27 promotes No Photos on Tracks messaging underscoring the risks of illegally taking photos, videos, or filming on train tracks for professional and amateur photographers alike.

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

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

About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit 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. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter,Pinterest and YouTube.

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