OL Truck Driver Safety Video Wins Gold “MarCom” Award for Training, Non-Profit

WASHINGTON, DC, November 3, 2009 – Operation Lifesaver’s “Stay Alive When You Drive” safety video for professional truck drivers took gold in both the Training and Non-Profit Video/Film categories judged for 2009 by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

“Six scenarios provided in ‘Stay Alive When You Drive’ illustrate critical decisions drivers need to make for safe deliveries,” Helen Sramek, Operation Lifesaver President said.   “Real truck drivers, well aware of these dangers, operated the vehicles for the video. “

Sample Scenario:  What should truck drivers do if their rig gets struck on the crossing? The video demonstrates that a driver’s safest option is to get out and away from the vehicle, and call the 800 number posted on or near the crossing.  If the number is not available, immediately call the local police or 911 and provide the truck’s exact location with the crossing’s Department of Transportation number if available.

The Gold Award is presented to entries judged by association professionals to exceed the industry’s high standards of excellence. Nearly 5,000 entries from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops and production companies competed for this award.  Jay Udavcak, president, Big Picture Inc., directed and produced the video for Operation Lifesaver.

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver’s certified presenters throughout the U.S. and Canada are trained to give free safety talks to community groups, schools, school bus drivers, truck drivers and community organizations to raise awareness about railroad safety.  More information can be found by calling the national office at 1-800-537-6224 or visiting the website at www.oli.org.