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You Can Help #STOPTrackTragedies

  • Share the rail safety message during Rail Safety Week and beyond.
  • Know the facts.
  • Recognize the signs.
  • Make good decisions around tracks and trains.
  • Take the Rail Safety Pledge. 
  • Email news@oli.org to be added to the Rail Safety Week email list.
Know the Signs and Signals 2023 RSW Graphic

Why is there a need for Rail Safety Week?

Every 3 hours in the United States A PERSON OR VEHICLE IS HIT BY A TRAIN.

More than 2,100 people are injured or killed annually in crossing and trespassing incidents in North America.

More than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates.

2023 Federal Partner Videos

Amit Bose, Federal Railroad Administration - Rail Safety Week (RSW) Message

Veronica Vanterpool, Federal Transit Administration - RSW Message

Joe DeLorenzo, Federal Transit Administration - RSW Message

Thomas Chapman, NTSB - RSW Message

Ann Carlson, NHTSA - RSW Message

a logo with words and a train track

The ongoing "Stop Track Tragedies" public awareness campaign from Operation Lifesaver, Inc. and Canada Operation Lifesaver shows the impact that rail-related incidents have on families - and communities. "Stop Track Tragedies" remains a major theme of Rail Safety Week.

Learn more about the "Stop Track Tragedies" campaign and share our videos.

 

 

Watch our Videos

Stop Track Tragedies - Dylan's Story :60 PSA

Stop Track Tragedies - Jacob's Story :60 PSA

Stop Track Tragedies - Dylan's Story Full Video

Stop Track Tragedies - Jacob's Story Full Video

Law Enforcement Joins Forces to Support Rail Safety Week

Operation Clear Track

Law Enforcement and First Responder Partners support Rail Safety Week through the Operation Clear Track safety initiative, spearheaded in the U.S. by Amtrak with support from Operation Lifesaver, Inc. During Operation Clear Track, hundreds of local, state, federal and railroad police organizations are stationed at grade crossings across the country to distribute safety materials to motorists and pedestrians and reinforce the importance of crossing and trespass laws as well as participating in virtual rail safety messaging. 

In 2023, OPERATION CLEAR TRACK will be conducted on Tuesday, September 19 in partnership with Law Enforcement agencies throughout the country to share the rail safety message in communities. All first responders, including firefighters, Emergency Medical Services and Offices of Emergency Management are encouraged to post lifesaving grade crossing safety and trespass prevention information for drivers and pedestrians on their websites and share on social media.

Join us to observe Operation Clear Track 2023 and share the safety message! Contact news@oli.org for more information.

policemen standing near their motorcycles

Rail Safety Week - History

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations to observe Rail Safety Week (RSW) each year.

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The FIRST U.S. Rail Safety Week was held September 24-30, 2017, as OLI celebrated its 45th year and its mission of reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. In 2018 and 2019, Rail Safety Week was held jointly in Canada and the U.S., with the overall theme, "Stop Track Tragedies." 

In 2018 and 2019, Canada Operation Lifesaver and OLI's "Stop Track Tragedies" public awareness campaign showed the impact that rail-related incidents have on families - and communities. "Stop Track Tragedies" remains a major theme of Rail Safety Week.

In 2020, Mexico joined the Rail Safety Week observance. We look forward to continuing the observance across North America!

RSW Materials

OLI offers Rail Safety Week materials for rail safety partners and supporters to use for promotion and outreach to increase awareness of the importance of rail safety across the country.

words on a red background