Strong Partnerships Highlighted, Millions Reached with Messaging to Prevent Railroad Crossing, Trespass Incidents in OLI Rail Safety Week 2023 Results Report
WASHINGTON, DC, December 8, 2023 – A new report from rail safety education nonprofit Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) shows that this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 18-24, reached millions of people with lifesaving rail safety messaging through events and activities as well as news stories, digital media campaigns, social media and Public Service Announcements (PSAs).
Rail Safety Week is observed throughout North America each year, spearheaded by OLI, Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF). The goal of Rail Safety Week is to empower the public to make safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains.
“A growing group of partners shared OLI materials and videos in support of Rail Safety Week, elevating the message and raising awareness,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “OLI released a suite of branded materials in addition to two new Stop Track Tragedies PSAs telling the stories of families affected by crossing and trespass incidents as well as engaging new transit safety education materials for children from Pre-K through age 12. We are incredibly grateful to all who shared the rail safety message during Rail Safety Week this year via social media and events – from state and local officials sharing Rail Safety Week proclamations, to law enforcement and first responder agencies participating in Operation Clear Track on September 19, to everyone wearing red showing support on #RedOutForRailSafety Day, September 23.”
Maleh continued, “Once again, our Board of Directors, Operation Lifesaver State Programs, federal government and safety partners across the U.S. shared our Rail Safety Week campaigns and messaging, generating 8.8 million social media impressions and over 4,100 news stories. OLI’s Rail Safety Week digital national and state campaigns on social media channels and via streaming devices, made possible through grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, resulted in 15.1 million impressions throughout the U.S.
“Our combined efforts are making a difference. Keep sharing the rail safety message – and save the date for next year, September 23-29, 2024. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies,” Maleh stated.
The Rail Safety Week 2023 Results Report may be viewed or downloaded here and on the OLI Rail Safety Week landing page.
###
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to stopping track tragedies. For more than 50 years, Operation Lifesaver programs have saved lives via public awareness campaigns and a network of trained volunteers across the U.S. who give free presentations encouraging safe behavior near railroad tracks and trains. The Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) national office supports the efforts of state programs in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Learn more about OLI, how to request a free presentation and become a volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
