MEDIA ADVISORY: Sept. 20-26 is Rail Safety Week in North America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer DeAngelis, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., news@oli.org, 202-815-4340         

MEDIA ADVISORY

Sept. 20-26 is Rail Safety Week in North America

2021’s Hybrid Observance Raises Awareness to Stop Track Tragedies

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, and its safety partners Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are leading this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week in North America,September 20-26. In the U.S., each day of Rail Safety Week will emphasize a different theme. This year the U.S. is planning a hybrid observance, with in-person events led by state Operation Lifesaver programs as well as virtual activities and social media efforts to share lifesaving messages.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train; 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year in these preventable incidents. Rail Safety Week is observed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico each September.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is releasing new video and audio public service announcements (PSAs) during the week.

WHAT:  Rail Safety Week throughout North America

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021

DAILY THEMES:

• Monday, September 20 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities.
• Tuesday, September 21 focuses on the fifth annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in person positive enforcement events; first responders will share RSW messages virtually through social media, email messaging and website posts.
• Wednesday, September 22 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the general public, farmers and farm machine operators as well as outdoor enthusiasts on safe crossing techniques with special attention to the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings.
• Thursday, September 23,Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety,showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider as well as safe choices around railroad tracks and trains for professional drivers.
• Friday, September 24 focuses on Wearing Red or “Red Out” for Rail Safety by encouraging safety organizations, partners, schools, railroads and the general public to wear red at public events and to share photos on social media.
• Saturday, September 25 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.
• Sunday, September 26 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

MORE INFO: Visit Operation Lifesaver’s website for safety tips and statistics, www.oli.org and visit the Rail Safety Week landing page.

CONTACT:    Jennifer DeAngelis, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., news@oli.org, 202-815-4340

About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

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 tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter,Pinterest and YouTube.

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