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) Sept. 18 to 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,” OLI Executive Director Jessica Feder said. “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.”
Feder continued, “Rail Safety Week activities in Indiana will emphasize community education events along enforcement blitzes, and social media to share our lifesaving messages. 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.
About Indiana Operation Lifesaver
Indiana Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A network of trained volunteers give free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks.