By Eric Berger

Operation Lifesaver Inc. reached millions of people across the U.S., Canada and Mexico during Rail Safety Week this year, according to a report released Dec. 8.

This year, Rail Safety Week ran Sept. 18 to 24 and included lifesaving rail safety events, activities, news stories, social media campaigns and more. The organization spearheads Rail Safety Week throughout North America each year in order to empower the public to make safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks.

OLI Executive Direct Rachel Maleh said numerous partners shared materials and videos this year. As part of the campaign, OLI released two new Stop Track Tragedies public service announcements telling stories of families affected by crossing and trespass incidents. They also released new educational materials for children.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who shared the rail safety message during Rail Safety Week, from state and local officials sharing proclamations to law enforcement and first responder agencies participating in Operation Clear Track to everyone wearing red showing support on Red Out For Rail Safety Day,” Maleh said.

Rail Safety Week campaigns generated 8.8 million social media impressions and more than 4,000 news stories. The campaign was made possible through grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

Maleh said efforts to educate others about rail safety are making a difference and encouraged all partners to continue sharing the campaign’s messages. Next year, Rail Safety Week will be Sept. 23 to 29.

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.