Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train – a devastating reminder that rail safety education remains a critical issue. Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) and Operation Lifesaver Canada are leading a joint rail safety awareness campaign Sept. 15 – 21 highlighting the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains.
See Tracks? Think Train!® Week urges the public to be alert, recognize rail-related risks and take an active role in preventing tragic incidents. Throughout the week, state OLI programs and safety partners across the U.S. will deliver rail safety education through community outreach, social media campaigns, news stories and in-person events.
“Rail safety is not someone else’s issue – it’s everyone’s responsibility,” said Rachel Maleh, executive director of OLI. “Whether you’re on foot, behind the wheel or taking transit, your choices matter. See Tracks? Think Train! Week gives us the opportunity to remind people that one moment of awareness can save a life.”
The 2025 campaign includes a full slate of daily themes tailored to specific audiences. Highlights include:
- Sept. 15 kicked off with #STOPTrackTragedies Media Outreach Day, launching the campaign with proclamations and the release of a new PSA and video sharing emotional real-life rail incident experiences.
- Sept. 16 focuses on the 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 and first responders across the U.S. will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in-person positive enforcement events, as well as share rail safety education messages through social media, emails and website posts.
- Sept. 17 highlights crossing safety, emphasizing the importance of making safe choices where roadways cross railroad track to include use of the blue and white emergency notification system (ENS) signs.
- Sept. 18 highlights two areas of emphasis: Transit Safety Thursday and professional driver safety, focusing on safe transit riding habits and sharing roadways with transit trains and critical information for truckers and professional drivers, as well as school bus drivers. Transit riders, friends and family are encouraged to share and take OLI’s Transit Safety Pledge.
- Sept. 19 focuses on Volunteering with OLI along with wearing red for “Red Out for Rail Safety” by encouraging partner safety organizations, schools, railroad employees and the public to wear red in support of rail safety education and share photos on social media.
- Trespass Prevention Day is on Sept. 20, targeting pedestrians, joggers, students and outdoor enthusiasts with safety messages about the dangers of being on or near the tracks.
- The week concludes on Sept. 21 with messages to the creator community as well as amateur and professional photographers. “No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk” warns content creators of the dangers of illegal photos or videos taken near tracks and trains.
“This week is about action – not just awareness,” Maleh added. “We’re empowering people to know the facts, make safe decisions and protect themselves, their families and communities. Together, we can – and must – #STOPTrackTragedies.”
For information on how to get involved, visit oli.org.
