New #STOPTrackTragedies PSA from Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Shows Real-Life Dangers of Inattention for Commuter Rail and Transit Riders
WASHINGTON, DC, September 7, 2022 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc.(OLI), the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, is launching a new public service announcement (PSA) reminding commuter rail and transit riders to be alert near tracks and trains. The PSA is part of OLI’s ongoing #STOPTrackTragedies campaign, which features videos with the personal stories of people directly affected by rail crossing or trespassing incidents and was made in partnership with Caltrain.
The new PSA shares the story of Nick Sayer, a regular Caltrain commuter, who survived being hit by a train he didn’t see approaching while crossing tracks at a commuter rail station. Funding for the PSA was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
“In this compelling PSA, Nick Sayer shares a lifesaving message for commuter rail and rail transit riders: always stay focused at commuter rail and rail transit stations and facilities,” stated OLI Executive DirectorRachel Maleh. “We are grateful to Nick for sharing his story and to the FTA and Caltrain for their ongoing partnership.”
“Caltrain has been a proud partner of Operation Lifesaver since the early 90s, and rail safety awareness and education has always been a top priority for our commuter rail agency in the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Caltrain’s Acting Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “We are extremely grateful that we now have the opportunity to share these important rail safety messages at a national level together with Operation Lifesaver.”
Maleh continued, “Know the facts. Make good decisions. Take the Rail Safety Pledge and share the rail safety message. Together, we can stop track tragedies.”
For more information regarding near miss incidents on the tracks, visit oli.org/passenger-rail-safety.
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About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1972, is a non-profit 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. In 1986 the non-profit Operation Lifesaver, Inc. national office was created to help support the efforts of state Operation Lifesaver programs, saving lives by sharing rail safety messages with audiences across the U.S. and beyond. 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 social media viaFacebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, PinterestandYouTube.
