Every year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. Indiana Operation Lifesaver is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), Operation Lifesaver Canada, and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) from September 18-24 to observe Rail Safety Week in North America and urging the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies. Governor Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation declaring the observance of Rail Safety Week in Indiana as well.
“Across the United States and throughout Indiana, Operation Lifesaver will share rail safety messages each day during Rail Safety Week underscoring our core mission – to save lives,” said Jessica Feder, Executive Director of Indiana Operation Lifesaver. “We are grateful to our safety partners at INDOT, railroads, and in the first responder community as well as the many other organizations who share the rail safety message this week, but more importantly each and every day.”
“Rail Safety Week activities in Indiana will emphasize community education events along with enforcement blitzes, and social media to share our lifesaving messages,” said Jessica Feder. “We are kicking off the week today with state and local Rail Safety Week proclamations. Through rail safety education during Rail Safety Week and every day, we are showing Indiana residents how to make safe choices around trains and tracks.”
In Indiana each year, we average approximately 120 railroad crossing collisions with multiple injuries and deaths. Rail-related trespasser injuries and fatalities are also on the rise throughout the state. Operation Lifesaver works to prevent these needless incidents from happening.
As part of Rail Safety Week, new video and audio public service announcements (PSAs) as well as social media campaigns are being released. An ongoing campaign called #STOPTrackTragedies features videos with the personal stories of people directly affected by rail crossing or trespassing incidents — including victims, friends and family members, locomotive engineers, and first responders.
