A Season of Thanks for Our Rail Safety Champions
As we move into the holiday season, California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) has much to be thankful for this year. We’re proud to announce that our September Rail Safety Month campaign reached millions of Californians with life-saving rail safety messages, thanks to a special grant and the incredible support of our dedicated partners.
CAOL was honored to receive a Rail Safety Grant from Operation Lifesaver Inc. and the Posner Foundation to fund our comprehensive September Rail Safety Month and See Tracks Think Train Week campaigns. This innovative initiative utilized cutting-edge geofencing technology, Connected TV/Over-The-Top (CTV/OTT) programming, and digital radio advertising to deliver critical rail safety messages to communities with the highest risk factors across California.
Partner Recognition: Going Above and Beyond
The success of this campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of our rail safety partners who provided matching contributions to maximize our reach:
- CCJPA (Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority)/Capitol Corridor
- LOSSAN (Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor)/Pacific Surfliner
- SJJPA (San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority)/Gold Runner (San Joaquins)
Through their generosity and shared dedication to rail safety, we were able to expand our messaging across Northern, Central, and Southern California, reaching communities where these life-saving reminders are needed most. This collaborative approach embodies our belief that rail safety truly is a team effort, no one organization can do it alone.
CAOL was honored to receive a Rail Safety Grant from Operation Lifesaver Inc. and the Posner Foundation to fund our comprehensive September Rail Safety Month and See Tracks Think Train Week campaigns. This innovative initiative utilized cutting-edge geofencing technology, Connected TV/Over-The-Top (CTV/OTT) programming, and digital radio advertising to deliver critical rail safety messages to communities with the highest risk factors across California.
Rail Safety is a Year-Round Commitment
While September Rail Safety Month may have concluded, our mission continues every day of the year. As California consistently ranks #1 in trespass casualties and #2 in highway-rail grade crossing incidents nationwide, our fatalities in all rail related incidents is 2.5 times higher than any other state. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to save lives and prevent track tragedies.
Holiday Season Rail Safety: Special Considerations
The holiday season brings unique challenges to rail safety awareness. As schedules become busier and minds grow more distracted with festivities, shopping, and travel, the risk for incidents near railroad tracks increases. Here are critical reminders as we enter the holiday season:
Avoid Distraction: Stay Alert, Choose Safety
During this busy time of year:
- Put the phone down when approaching railroad crossings, that holiday text or shopping deal can wait
- Remove headphones or earbuds so you can hear approaching trains
- Reduce stress by planning ahead for travel, giving yourself extra time to avoid rushing near tracks
- Be especially vigilant during early darkness as standard time means reduced visibility during evening commutes
- Watch for slippery conditions that may affect stopping distances for both vehicles and pedestrians
Holiday Travel Safety
If your holiday plans include travel:
- Never try to beat a train to a crossing, trains move faster than they appear and cannot stop quickly
- Expect a train on any track, at any time, from either direction, even on holidays, freight trains don’t follow set schedules
- Cross tracks only at designated crossings and always look both ways
- Never stop on the tracks! If you need to stop for traffic, wait on the approach to the crossing, not on it
Carrying Our Mission Forward
As we give thanks for our partners and supporters, we also invite you to become part of our rail safety mission. Remember our “Save Lives Tell 5” initiative, share these rail safety tips with five loved ones and ask them to do the same. This simple action can create a ripple effect of awareness that saves lives throughout the holiday season and beyond.
CAOL remains grateful for our rail safety partnerships and our mutual commitment to raising rail safety awareness. Together, we can Stop Track Tragedies and Save Lives during the holidays and all year long.
Remember: See Tracks? Think Train!
