Operation Lifesaver releases new PSA about risky decisions around railroad tracks and crossings

Operation Lifesaver (OLI) has released a new public service announcement (PSA) educating the public about risky decisions around railroad tracks and crossings. “The Risk is Real” PSA illustrates consequences of unsafe choices. 

“The Risk is Real targets messaging to people who think they will beat the odds and those who don’t realize their choices are risky, urging them to make safe choices around railroad tracks,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “OLI’s new PSA highlights three risk-takers and the dangers they face: An impatient driver who attempts to drive around lowered crossing gates, a woman climbing through a train car and an athlete taking a shortcut across tracks."

According to OLI:

• Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train
• Trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America
• Railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America
• 95 percent or all rail-related fatalities result from crossing collisions or pedestrian trespassing incidents
• More than 60 percent of vehicle-train collisions occur at railroad crossings with either lights or gates

“It’s imperative for everyone to recognize the risks, obey the signs, stay off railroad equipment and only cross at designated crossings. Together, we can stop track tragedies,” Maleh said.