New Operation Lifesaver Pedestrian Safety Campaign Gaining Attention

Photo Caption:FRA Administrator Szabo and OLI President Sramek participate in a Common Sense satellite media tour with television stations in 17 key markets.

Operation Lifesaver’s new Common Sense rail safety trespass prevention campaign and website is gaining attention in the Washington, DC area and many other states. 

News stories generated by the campaign and other Operation Lifesaver safety partner events around the country appeared in 30 states on internet media websites, television stations and in newspapers.

The national, non-profit rail safety education group launched the campaign June 24 with Federal Railroad Administrator Joe Szabo, OLI President Helen Sramek, CSX Chairman and CEO Michael Ward, Houston Police Department Senior Officer Jack Hanagriff, and Cliff Stayton, director of community affairs and safety, CSX at a press conference in Washington, DC. 

The trespass prevention campaign includes internet-based and subway diorama advertising and began in the Washington, DC area. The website, www.CommonSenseUseIt.com, is designed to appeal to 18 to 34-year- olds, who make up the largest percentage of railroad-related pedestrian casualties. In the month following the launch the website has been viewed in all 48 contiguous states, and the Common Sense online ads have been viewed by more than 20 million people.

Operation Lifesaver offers the following Common Sense rail safety tips:

1.   Always expect a train.

2.  Turn your cell phone and MP3 player off when you’re near train tracks.  Forget texting, as it could be a deadly distraction.  

3.  Trains are quieter than you think, go faster than they appear, and do not run on set schedules.

4.  Look both ways and listen before crossing train tracks.  

5.   Anywhere other than a public crossing, stay off and away from the tracks.

6.   Tracks, trestles, rail yards and equipment are private property.  If you hunt, fish or ride your ATV on the tracks, you are trespassing.