Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Releases New PSA to Help Mature Drivers Make Safe Choices Around Railroad Tracks and Trains
WASHINGTON, DC, December 15, 2021 – A new rail safety public service announcement (PSA) for drivers aged 50 and over highlighting the importance of making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains was released today by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national non-profit rail safety education organization.
Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Preliminary Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) statistics show 690 people were injured and 197 killed in 1,901 U.S. vehicle-train collisions in 2020.
“Trains always have the right of way and drivers must yield to a train and obey the crossing signs,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “It’s imperative that drivers 50 and over – and all drivers – recognize the risks to themselves and others, know the signs and make safe choices when driving over railroad tracks.
“Together, we can stop track tragedies.”
OLI urges the public to:
- Use increased attention when approaching and crossing railroad tracks
- Know the facts
- Recognize and obey signs and signals
- Cross only at designated crossings whether driving or walking
- Know what to do in the event a vehicle is stalled or stuck on the tracks
“Operation Lifesaver offers free rail safety presentations in communities across the country,” Maleh noted. “We look forward to sharing the rail safety message. Visit oli.org today to request a presentation,” she concluded.
PSAs are available to the public with English and Spanish voiceovers and closed captions in :60, :30 and :15 second lengths through the Materials section of the oli.org website and are downloadable at https://vimeo.com/operationlifesaver.
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About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
Operation Lifesaver, Inc.is a non-profit 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. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on social media viaFacebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, PinterestandYouTube.
