Rail safety is a year-round commitment. California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) our trained volunteer team, and our rail safety partners are dedicated to educating the public and empowering communities to make safe decisions around railroad tracks and trains.
at work in california communities
This evolving photo journal highlights the impact of CAOL and our amazing network of volunteers, rail safety partners, and community organizations. Together, we are delivering rail safety education across California through outreach events, school programs, public awareness campaigns, and community partnerships.
Our team is on the ground sharing life-saving information about railroad safety and each image captures a moment of connection — whether it’s engaging students, collaborating with first responders, or raising awareness at local events.
Our mission is simple but critical: prevent railroad-related injuries and fatalities by promoting safe behaviors near tracks and trains. Through continued education and community involvement, we are building a culture of safety that protects lives across California.
A Statewide Commitment to Rail Safety awareness
Every outreach effort represents a shared commitment to reducing preventable incidents. With the support of our volunteers and partners, CAOL continues to expand its reach and impact—ensuring more Californians understand the importance of staying alert and making safe choices near railroad environments.
You have the power to prevent a tragedy
California has more rail-related fatalities than any other state, and most of these incidents are preventable. The Save Lives Tell 5 initiative asks you to do just three things: choose safety near tracks, share the facts with 5 people, and challenge them to do the same.
One conversation can start a chain reaction.
Help Save Lives
California Operation Lifesaver is an independent non-profit rail safety education organization. We rely on the support of private citizens, corporations, state and local transit organizations, as well as our trained team of Authorized Presenter Volunteers. All our supporters have the CAOL Mission at the heart of their dedicated participation. Through our focused rail safety education, we work together with a mutual goal to save lives and eliminate track tragedies at highway rail grade crossings and along railroad rights-of-way.