Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Unveils New Transit Safety PSAs Focused on Safe Left Turns and Shared Roadways
WASHINGTON, DC, September 12, 2025 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national nonprofit dedicated to rail safety education, today debuted two new public service announcements (PSAs) designed to promote safe choices for drivers sharing the road with transit trains like streetcars and trolleys as well as metro and light rail systems.
The two 30-second video PSAs, Dedicated Left Turn and In-Street Running, present realistic scenarios that underscore the importance of understanding roadway layouts, paying attention to traffic signals and always yielding to trains. These safety messages are part of OLI’s ongoing efforts to reach roadway users in communities with transit systems and help prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way.
“In both of these new PSAs, we see relatable close calls that serve as critical reminders for drivers navigating urban environments with rail transit,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “These engaging spots share essential safety messages that drivers can apply immediately, especially in areas with light rail or streetcar systems operating in-street or adjacent to vehicle traffic.”
In Dedicated Left Turn, a driver, distracted by her GPS and rushing to reach a concert, nearly turns left into the path of an oncoming train after misinterpreting a green light emphasizes the need to wait for a green arrow when turning left across train tracks -- reminding viewers to wait for the green arrow, stay alert and minimize distractions. This PSA is most relevant in the cities of Los Angeles and San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA Minneapolis, MN, New Jersey, Baltimore, MD, Phoenix, AZ and Charlotte, NC
In-Street Running highlights a common source of confusion in transit-heavy areas like Houston, TX, San Francisco, CA and New Jersey. As a driver considers turning left narrowly missing a streetcar, he is reminded that it’s important to follow the signs, pavement markings and signals – and know the proper lane to turn left from. The PSA reminds viewers to understand lane designations and always yield to trains, reinforcing the message: “Don’t collide, stay on your side”
Both PSAs conclude with OLI’s powerful call to action: See Tracks? Think Train!®
OLI has also developed a suite of supplemental materials – available in a variety of formats and sizes – ideal for use in outreach, education and digital campaigns.
The new PSAs and supplemental materials are available in English and Spanish here at oli.org under Info For: Transit. Funding for the PSAs and supplemental material creation was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
“Whether you’re a daily commuter or just visiting a city with light rail or streetcars, it’s vital to recognize transit signage, lane markings and the presence of in-street train traffic,” Maleh said. “These PSAs arm drivers with the information they need to stay safe.”
“Safety is the top priority. FTA’s partnership with Operation Lifesaver helps educate drivers on staying safe when sharing the roadway with rail transit vehicles,” said FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro. “This new campaign will fill a critical safety education void as we work to address unsafe driving practices involving making left turns and crossing over rail tracks.”
These new PSAs and supplemental materials join a growing library of resources available at oli.org for transit riders, drivers and pedestrians. OLI offers downloadable materials, educational videos and free rail safety presentations for audiences of all ages.
