Operation Lifesaver Urges Caution: Stay Safe Around Tracks and Trains this Holiday Season

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 18, 2025 – Fall and winter holidays are some of the busiest travel times in the U.S. As many people look forward to taking time to visit family, celebrating holidays and enjoying some days off, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) encourages everyone to include a review of important rail safety education information in their plans.

“The holiday season is a busy time and while it is important to enjoy the time spent with family and friends, it is equally important to remain alert to keep those loved ones safe. Whether taking a trip in your hometown, exploring a new city or staying home, be vigilant when you are near tracks and trains,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely.  Remember a train can come at any time, on any track from either direction. And whenever you See Tracks? Think Train®!”

Individuals may encounter tracks and trains in many different ways during the holidays, such as when traveling by passenger train, going on a road trip or enjoying an excursion on a seasonal train ride. Whatever the situation, OLI offers the following tips to help everyone make safe choices.

OLI’s Holiday Season Rail Safety Tips:

1. Always expect a train at any crossing, at any time, in either direction. Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive.
2. Look and listen carefully. Winter layers like hats, hoods and scarves can muffle your hearing and obscure your vision. Always remain cautious around railroad tracks, cross only at designated rail crossings and follow all signs and signals.
3. Minimize distractions. Remove headphones, put away your phone and listen carefully. Trains move faster and are quieter than you think.
4. Never try and beat a train or go around lights and gates. Trains cannot stop quickly. It can take a train a mile or more – the length of 18 football fields – to stop.
5. Know what to do in an emergency. Stuck or stalled on the tracks? GET OUT! GET AWAY! FIND THE BLUE AND WHITE SIGN. If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train. Call the number on the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and share the crossing ID number with the dispatcher. No sign? Call 911.

OLI’s Holiday Season Safety Tips for Rail Passengers:

1. Stand back from the platform. Stay behind all painted or raised markings.
2. Remain alert for oncoming trains on platforms and roadways. Cross only at designated crossings.
3. Practice patience when boarding a train. Wait until the train stops to approach the door. Let others exit before you board.
4. Mind the gap. Watch your step when entering and exiting the train. Look both ways for oncoming trains.
5. Never climb, sit, stand, walk or ride between or at the end of train cars.

“Share these important safety tips with your loved ones this holiday season,” said Maleh. “By reminding others about the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains, together we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”

OLI offers free rail safety education presentations as well as online rail safety education assets for a variety of audiences to share, including videos, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), infographics and social media graphics (as shown below). In addition, there are educational materials for children in grades K-12, such as coloring books, activity books and videos, and tips for new drivers, all at oli.org.