Operation Lifesaver, Inc. awards first innovative rail safety competitive grant for trespass prevention campaign
WASHINGTON, DC, April 22, 2020 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), announced it will award the first Innovative Rail Safety Grant for $60,000 to New York Operation Lifesaver. The grant will fund a targeted, data-driven and multifaceted trespass prevention campaign in the state.
“We are excited to partner with the FRA on this new grant promoting innovative and trailblazing ideas that reiterate the importance of rail safety education to save lives,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh.
The campaign funded by the Innovative Rail Safety Grant includes a short, animated video in English and Spanish, Geo-Fencing advertising to individuals engaged in trespassing behaviors at high-incident locations in the state, social media, print ads at train stations, rest areas and DMV locations, as well as safety presentations to schools and community groups in the targeted area.
“This innovative campaign will leverage advertising across media channels, partnerships with railroads and state agencies and presentations to reinforce our lifesaving message in high-risk locations,” said New York Operation Lifesaver Phil Merens.
The grant was awarded through a competitive process, with selection based on criteria including a demonstrated safety need, concept creativity and the ability to scale projects.
“The goal of the Innovative Rail Safety Grant is to encourage new ways to address these preventable rail-related crossing and trespass incidents,” said James Payne, Staff Director of the FRA Grade Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention Program Division. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with OLI.”
About Operation Lifesaver
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. OLI leads an international observance of Rail Safety Week each September. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.
###
