Operation Lifesaver, Inc. promotes latest video, materials for new drivers with online sweepstakes
WASHINGTON, DC, April 18, 2018 — Every three hours in the U.S. a person or vehicle is hit by a train, and preliminary federal safety statistics from 2017 show that collisions between all vehicles and trains at highway-rail grade crossing rose 3.1 percent from 2016. To reach new drivers – especially teens and young adults – with critical information on how to drive safely near train tracks, the national nonprofit rail safety education organization Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI) has released a new 10-minute driver training video, “How to Drive Near Trains,” and a 30-second public service announcement inviting new drivers to watch the video and enter a sweepstakes to win a Chrome Book.
The new materials are part of an initiative funded by OLI’s safety partners at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The video demonstrates how to drive safely near railroad tracks, highlights consequences of unsafe behavior, and raises awareness of the need for caution and alert driving behavior near railroad crossings.
“At Operation Lifesaver, Inc., our passion is preventing deaths and injuries near railroad tracks and crossings,” said OLI Interim President Wende Corcoran. Our new “Drive Safe Near Trains” program is intended to be entertaining for new drivers while helping them safely navigate highway-rail intersections. With lesson plans created especially for driving educators to accompany the video, our goal is to help today’s new drivers make the right choices at crossings.”
OLI is contacting driving educators across the U.S. with more information on how the video can be used in the classroom to supplement existing lesson plans, Corcoran said. In addition to the video and PSA, five video segments focus on individual topics that can be quickly covered before the instructor takes students on the road, she said, noting that the videos are designed to be viewed on mobile devices, as well played as in the classroom.
The “Drive Safe Near Trains” video will also be used by the Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers throughout the U.S., who provide free rail safety lessons to diverse audiences, including teens and other new drivers.
A digital ad and social media outreach campaign is also underway to alert a broader audience of 15 to 22-year-olds to the sweepstakes and generate interest in the videos and safety messages, Corcoran stated.
New drivers, driving educators and others can learn more about this program at oli.org/drivesafe.
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 provides free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” equips the public with tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more at http://www.oli.org; follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
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