RTD kicks off new safety campaign

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) today unveiled a new safety campaign featuring an animated video aimed at promoting safer behavior near transit vehicles.

Dubbed "Dumb Ways to Die," the three-minute music video depicts 21 cartoon characters making dangerous choices, including unsafe behaviors around trains.

"The campaign pairs cute colorful cartoons with humorous and ridiculous death scenarios — ultimately highlighting acts of stupidity around trains," RTD officials said on the campaign's website. "We don't mean to offend, but simply to educate, entertain and create conversation about public safety around buses and trains."

RTD is partnering with Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia, where the video resulted in more than 75 million pledges worldwide from people committed to being safer around trains, RTD officials said.

As part of the campaign, RTD today is holding an introductory event at the Union Station Bus Concourse, where staff will hand out safety information and encourage people to sign a safety pledge.

RTD's animated rail safety video