Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), says 2022 Rail Safety Week (RSW) during the week of Sept. 19-25 reached millions of people through events and activities as well as digital media campaigns, social media and other online messaging.
The annual observance of Rail Safety Week throughout North America is spearheaded by OLI, Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF). OLI says every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States, and more than 50 percent of vehicle-train collisions occur at crossings with lights and or gates. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to empower the public to make safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains.
“We are excited to see the rail safety message being shared throughout the week and grateful for the commitment and passion our partners showed in support of Operation Lifesaver’s mission to save lives,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “From the 300 law enforcement and first responder agencies participating in Operation Clear Track on September 19, to the many organizations and individuals wearing red on September 23, #RedOutForRailSafety Day, enthusiasm for Rail Safety Week continues to grow. Our terrific board of directors, state Operation Lifesaver programs, federal government and safety partners across the U.S. shared our Rail Safety Week campaigns and messaging, generating 8.8 million social media impressions, as well as 107,000 website hits.
“OLI’s Rail Safety Week digital national and state campaigns on social media channels and via streaming devices, made possible through grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, resulted in 11.4 million additional impressions throughout the U.S. We are encouraged by these results and urge everyone to share the rail safety message throughout the year and save the date for next year’s Rail Safety Week, Sept. 18-24, 2023. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”
