New Operation Lifesaver, Inc. PSAs Deliver Critical Rail Safety Reminders for RV Travelers
“The Long Game” and “Family Vacation” Videos Offer Timely Tips for a Growing Audience on the Move
WASHINGTON, DC, July 22, 2025 – According to Consumer Affairs*, an estimated 11.2 million households in the U.S. own a recreational vehicle (RV). This summer, many of them will hit the road in search of fun and adventure – and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has an urgent message for them: Know how to cross railroad tracks safely.
The national rail safety education nonprofit debuts two new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) focused on educating RV drivers on the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains.
Tailored for the RV-driving public, these timely PSAs use relatable themes – from family road trips to golf course strategy – to deliver life-saving guidance in an understandable and memorable way.
“RVs are longer, heavier and slower to clear crossings than typical vehicles,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “These PSAs deliver vital tips for navigating tracks safely. With RV travel on the rise, it’s the right message at the right time – and a new audience for our rail safety education outreach.”
The Long Game PSA: Safety Is No Stroke of Luck
Playing off a favorite pastime, TheLong Game uses the metaphor of lining up a perfect shot to highlight how thoughtful, deliberate choices keep RV drivers safe at railroad crossings. The PSA reminds viewers that safe RV driving requires awareness of length, braking distance and ground clearance – especially around railroad tracks.
Key Messages:
- Know your vehicle’s weight and length before approaching a crossing
- Allow extra space and braking distance
- Watch for Low Ground Clearance signs
- If your vehicle gets stuck, evacuate immediately and find the Blue and White sign to report the location
- “Not sure if you fit? Don’t commit.”
Family Vacation PSA: Safe Journeys Begin with Smart Decisions
This family-themed PSA showcases an RV trip filled with excitement, laughter – and an encounter at a railroad crossing. It reinforces that everyone in the vehicle has a role to play in safe travel and that informed choices save lives.
Key Messages:
- Always approach crossings with caution
- Obey all warning devices – never try to beat a train
- Look and listen, even at familiar crossings
- Understand RV-specific safety needs around tracks
- In an emergency, know how to locate and use the Blue and White ENS sign
“Sharing the rail safety education message is critical so that all drivers -- regardless of whether they are driving for work or driving toward fun – know the facts and make safe choices around tracks and trains,” said Maleh. “These PSAs bring essential safety awareness to a growing community of RV travelers. With the right knowledge, together we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”
Both PSAs are available in English and Spanish as video and audio only at https://oli.org/safety-near-trains/driving-safely-near-tracks/RV-Drivers. Funding for the PSAs was provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
“Safety is our top priority at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and that includes the safety of the traveling public,” said FHWA Chief Counsel Jay Payne. “We want our nation’s roads and highways to be the safest in the world. That’s why it’s important for all travelers to stay alert, obey railroad crossing signs and signals and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.”
Thank you to all involved in bringing these PSAs to life, including but not limited to Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.’s Maryland Midland Railway (MMID) as well as subject matter experts and many more.
Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.
*https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/rv-ownership-statistics.html
