Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Expands Rail Safety Education Outreach with New PSAs Focused on Accessible and Inclusive Messaging

Washington, D.C., Dec.12 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, today released two new public service announcements (PSAs) with a unique blend of inclusive messaging incorporating the rail safety education message in an accessible and inclusive way.  

• Crossing Safely: Wheels Over Tracks educates people who use a variety of wheels (wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, walkers, etc.) on how to safely navigate crossing railroad tracks at pedestrian crossings.   
• Stay Safe: Be Aware educates visually, auditorily and through American Sign Language (ASL) essential rail safety tips on crossing safely at pedestrian crossings.  

With accessible visual cues and voiceover narration, each PSA is designed to resonate widely while educating everyone on making safe choices near tracks and trains.

“Created in close consultation with experts from a variety of communities, these PSAs are intentionally designed with messaging that resonates widely while educating the public on the necessity of making safe choices around tracks and trains.” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Making safe choices around tracks and trains is important every day of the year. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”

Adding depth to the campaign, Jeremy Grandstaff from CurbCutOS, an advisor on the project, expressed confidence in the messaging. “As someone who is blind and navigates public spaces without sight, I appreciate OLI’s commitment to inclusion. Throughout the collaborative and inclusive design process, OLI demonstrated their commitment to ensuring these PSAs reflect our voices and experiences, helping to share the rail safety message.”

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd said “We are proud to partner with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. by providing funding to bring vital rail safety education to individuals across the nation, especially to communities that may face additional challenges. This campaign represents our shared commitment to ensure everyone has access to safety information that can save lives and improve safety in areas where roads meet railways, for all road users.”  

Thank you to all involved in bringing these PSAs to life, including but not limited to, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc. and the Indiana & Ohio Railroad as well as Subject Matter Experts at the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH), Hearing Speech + Deaf Center in Cincinnati, OH, the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, CurbCutOS, Dr. Susan Elmore from SAElmore Consulting, LLC and many many more.

PSAs are created with funding from the FHWA and are available on Operation Lifesaver’s website and across digital platforms. For more information, please visit oli.org.