Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Releases new PSA Targeting Shift Workers

WASHINGTON, DC, December 8, 2021 – A new rail safety public service announcement (PSA) targeting shift workers – people whose jobs include evening, night, and early morning work hours – was released today by Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national nonprofit rail safety education organization. The PSA highlights the importance of making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains to prevent devastating incidents between these shift workers and trains across the U.S.

Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Preliminary Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) statistics show 690 people were injured and 197 killed in 1,901 U.S. vehicle-train collisions in 2020. On foot or in a vehicle, results can be the same — severe injury or even death.

“Shift workers are an integral part of life across the U.S. Our goal with the PSA is to educate these essential workers to be alert and aware approaching railroad tracks and trains, whether in a vehicle, on foot or a bike,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Whether driving over or walking across tracks, shift workers need to know the importance of making safe choices while getting to and from work and beyond. Together, we can stop track tragedies.”

OLI urges the public to:

• Use increased attention when approaching and crossing railroad tracks
• Know the facts
• Recognize and obey signs and signals before and at the crossing
• Cross only at designated crossings whether driving or walking
• Know what to do in the event a vehicle is stalled or stuck on the tracks

“Operation Lifesaver offers free rail safety presentations in communities across the country,” Maleh noted. “We look forward to sharing the rail safety message widely with people and organizations,” she concluded.

Funding for production and distribution of these new resources was provided by the FRA. PSAs are available to the public with English and Spanish voiceovers and closed captions in :60, :30 and :15 second lengths through the Materials section of the oli.org website and are downloadable at https://vimeo.com/operationlifesaver. 

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About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.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. 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.