California Operation Lifesaver Releases New VPSA Targeting Risky Driver Behavior Near Rail Crossings
“See Tracks? Think Train!” Campaign PSA Launches on International Crossing Awareness Day
Sacramento, CA June 3, 2015 – California Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit rail safety education organization, launched a new video public service announcement (VPSA) to combat dangerous driver behavior at railroad crossings, according to Nancy Sheehan-McCulloch, State Coordinator.
“As more than 40 countries worldwide work together to promote safety at all railroad crossings on June 3, International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), Operation Lifesaver is pleased to release the latest VPSA as part of our ‘See Tracks? Think Train!’ campaign,” states Sheehan-McCulloch. “The video demonstrates in a very compelling way the potential danger that drivers face at highway-rail grade crossings and the tremendous force of a train hitting a car on the tracks.”
Operation Lifesaver launched the “See Tracks? Think Train!” campaign in 2014 and developed this new VPSA in response to a nationwide increase in 2014 railroad crossing incidents. Preliminary 2014 statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) cite California incidents declined 12.3% percent; crossing related deaths fell 10.8 percent; crossing-related injuries fell 40.8 percent.
“Operation Lifesaver’s mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on rail property,” Sheehan-McCulloch notes. “We urge television stations throughout the state to air the new VPSA, to remind drivers of all ages that if you see tracks, think train,” she added.
In addition to promoting “See Tracks? Think Train!” with the new VPSA, California Operation Lifesaver will hold and participate in local events in observance of ILCAD. CAOL’s rail safety partners and rail safety teams in support of the California Operation Lifesaver mission will also hold and participate in ILCAD Events. Some of the locations include Riverside, Corona, Tustin, Pomona; enforcement events in Berkeley, LA, Oakland, Richmond, Riverside, Temple/Valley, Industry, Pomona, San Diego, and San Fernando; Professional truckers blitzes in San Bernardino and LA; ILCAD safety booths in Berkeley and Davis Amtrak Stations
For more information on the “See Tracks? Think Train!” campaign, visit www.SeeTracksThinkTrain.org.
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About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver’s mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way. A national network of trained volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety. Learn more at http://www.oli.org Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
More at California Operation Lifesaver: www.caoperationlifesaver.com Follow: http://twitter.com/CAOpLifeSaver Visit: http://www.facebook.com/CAOperationLifesaver
About International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)
International Level Crossing Awareness Day began in 2009 in Europe to call attention to the need for public education on railway safety issues as a way to save lives. An international news conference will take place June 3 in Istanbul, Turkey, with experts from different countries and sectors, including road, rail, specialists in human factors and education. Learn more at www.ilcad.org.
