Operation Lifesaver kicks off Rail Safety Week 2023

North American freight and passenger railroads, law enforcement agencies and first responders are marking Rail Safety Week, which runs today through Sept. 24.

The week is collaborative effort among Operation Lifesaver Inc., state Operation Lifesaver programs and rail safety partners across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Rail Safety Week is spearheaded by OLI, Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads.

The annual event aims to raise public awareness about the importance of safety around railroad tracks and crossings.

According to OLI, Rail Safety Week is necessary because:
• Every three hours in the United States a person or vehicle is hit by a train;
• More than 2,100 people are injured or killed annually in rail crossing and trespassing incidents in North America; and
• More than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates.

"During this annual observance, safety partners across North America join us for a concentrated week of sharing the important rail-safety message. Everyone can help make their communities safer," said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh in a press release.

Norfolk Southern Railway shared the following tips to help the public stay safe:
• Avoid stopping on tracks. Before crossing, be sure there is space on the other side to completely clear the tracks.
• When crossing, ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding and that your vehicle will completely clear the tracks
• Train tracks are meant for trains. Do not walk, jog or bicycle on or beside them.
• Only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.

"Trains play an important role in our economy — carrying the goods that fill our stores and help fuel our factories. Every day, trains move through our communities, and we want the public to be safe as they approach railroad tracks and crossings," said John Fleps, vice president of safety at NS, in a press release.

Meanwhile, CN announced its police service and other CN employees will spend the week sharing rail-safety messages in communities across the railroad's network. And CSX officials announced they will share rail-safety messages this week through safety blitzes, billboards and social media messages.