Operation Lifesaver unveils PSA aimed at shift workers

Operation Lifesaver Inc. this week released a new public service announcement (PSA) targeting shift workers — those working jobs during evening, night and early morning hours.

The organization urges shift workers to be careful when traveling at late hours near railroad tracks. A person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States every three hours, OLI officials said in a press release.

Federal Railroad Administration preliminary data shows that 197 people were killed and 690 were injured in 1,901 vehicle-train collisions in 2020, according to OLI.

The public should pay attention near railroad tracks, know the facts about these accidents, recognize and obey signs, cross only at designated crossings and know what to do when a vehicle is stuck on the tracks, OLI officials said.

"Shift workers are an integral part of life across the United States. Our goal with the PSA is to educate these essential workers to be alert and aware approaching railroad tracks and trains, whether in a vehicle, on foot or a bike," said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh.