Statement on International Crossing Awareness Day by OLI President Bonnie Murphy
The United States chapter of Operation Lifesaver (OLI) is proud to observe International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on June 2, to focus global attention on the concerning trend of distracted behavior at railroad crossings. Alongside more than 40 countries worldwide, a number of our state Operation Lifesaver programs will work with their safety partners to conduct awareness events in conjunction with ILCAD, targeting a broad audience to reach as many people as possible with these lifesaving messages.
Statistics from our safety partners at the Federal Railroad Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, show that, while the total number of collisions at highway-rail grade crossings dropped by 1.96% from 2015 to 2016, there has been a nearly 13 percent increase in deaths caused by these collisions.
OLI is committed to reducing these collisions and protecting our nation’s families and communities from having to endure these preventable tragedies. Our national awareness campaign, See Tracks? Think Train!, along with these driving safety tips, can help save lives at crossings.
This international partnership to raise awareness of rail safety – on ILCAD, and every day – supports our shared goal to eliminate deaths and injuries on and near railroad property throughout our communities. To further these efforts throughout the U.S., OLI is coordinating this year’s inaugural U.S. Rail Safety Week, September 24-30, to empower the public to keep themselves safe near tracks and trains.
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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 gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides the public with tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. OLI will lead a national observance of U.S. Rail Safety Week, September 24-30, 2017. Learn more about U.S. Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
