As we wrap up another impactful Rail Safety Month, California Operation Lifesaver is filled with gratitude and pride. This September proved once again that rail safety isn’t just a one-organization effort; it truly takes everyone. From dedicated volunteers to community partners, law enforcement to everyday citizens, the collective commitment to saving lives around railroad tracks has been nothing short of inspiring.
Essential Rail Safety Reminders: Your Life-Saving Checklist
Rail safety starts with knowledge, and these fundamental tips can mean the difference between life and tragedy. Always remember:
- Never walk on railroad tracks or railroad property – It’s illegal and extremely dangerous
- Cross tracks only at designated crossings – Always use marked pedestrian crossings or roadway crossings
- Look both ways before crossing – Trains can come from either direction on any track at any time
- Remove headphones and put down devices – Stay alert and aware of your surroundings near tracks
- Never race a train to a crossing – Trains always have the right-of-way and can’t stop quickly
- Wait for trains to completely pass – A second train might be approaching on another track
- Stay off railroad bridges and out of tunnels – These are built only for trains, not pedestrians
- Be aware that trains are quieter than you think – Modern trains may be traveling faster and quieter than you think.
For a comprehensive guide to staying safe around railroad tracks, visit our complete Rail Safety Tips Page.
Celebrating Our Rail Safety Champions
The success of Rail Safety Month 2025 belongs to our incredible network of partners who stepped up to spread awareness and save lives.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our Rail Safety Month partners who participated in the “Partners Raising Awareness to Save Lives” initiative. A heartfelt shout out to every organization that hosted events, participated in special rail safety activities, or shared safety messages across social media: Amtrak, California Highway Patrol, California Public Utilities Commission, Caltrain, Caltrans, Metrolink, MTS-San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District, Orange County Transportation Authority, Pacific Surfliner, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, Ventura County Transportation Commission, and Ventura County Railroad/GWRR. These dedicated organizations embraced the mission in meaningful ways – from hosting community events and creating engaging social media content to sharing our messages and amplifying rail safety education across their networks.
Partners United for Rail Safety Kickoff Event
The month launched with remarkable momentum at our September 3rd “Partners United for Rail Safety” event, bringing together California Operation Lifesaver, Capitol Corridor (CCJPA), Union Pacific Railroad, Amtrak, California Northern Railroad/GWRR, the City of Davis, and Yolo County. This collaborative kickoff set the tone for a month of unified commitment to the 3 E’s of rail safety: Education, Engineering, and Enforcement and enhanced our efforts to raise awareness and create rail safe communities.
Our dedicated law enforcement partners, including the Amtrak Police Department, Union Pacific Railroad Police, California Highway Patrol, Dixon Police Department, Suisun City Police Department, Martinez Police Department, and City of Davis Police Department, played a vital role at the kickoff event. Their visible presence reinforced that rail safety is not just about education—it’s about education, individual responsibility, and enforcement.
Spotlight Events Across California
California Operation Lifesaver was honored to participate in and support outstanding rail safety events throughout the state. Special recognition to Amtrak San Joaquins for hosting a Rail Safety Month Community Safety Blitz and Officer on the Train Event with Amtrak PD, BNSF Railway, and Fresno PD. Thank you for including California Operation Lifesaver in this impactful event.
Additional recognition to Altamont Corridor Express for their Officer on the Train Event in Stockton with Amtrak PD, Stockton PD, and California Highway Patrol. Thank you for including a California Operation Lifesaver presentation.
Throughout September, transit agencies across the state hosted impactful rail safety events in their communities, bringing rail safety awareness directly to the riders and communities they serve. Some of the great events included: the SoCal Kick Off Event at LA Union Station; the OCTA, LOSSAN, and Metrolink Santa Ana tabling safety event; Riverside County Transportation Commission hosted nine Rail Safety Outreach events; SBCTA Zemu Launch included CAOL Rail Safety Messaging; Colfax Railroad Days; CAOL was honored to partner with Union Pacific railroad and Amtrak PD for this busy two day event; LA Union Station Train Festival Metrolink, LA Metro, Amtrak (thank you for including CAOL), and the Port Hueneme Banana Festival with Ventura County Railroad and California Operation Lifesaver.
To every partner organization that contributed to Rail Safety Month – whether specifically mentioned here or not – your commitment made a profound difference in spreading life-saving awareness across California.
Our Volunteer Presenter Champions
During Rail Safety Month, we sincerely thank our California Operation Lifesaver Volunteer Presenter Team, our true Rail Safety Champions. Your tireless dedication and expertise in delivering rail safety education throughout Rail Safety Month helps #STOPTrackTragedies and saves lives. Thank you for your invaluable impact!
See Tracks? Think Train!® Week Collaboration
We thank all our partners who not only recognized and participated in See Tracks? Think Train!® Week but also actively engaged in ST3Week by sharing messages, participating in events, and working with CAOL to provide additional rail safety awareness during this critical international campaign.
Law Enforcement Leadership
A special recognition goes to law enforcement agencies across California who participated in Operation Clear Track and conducted enforcement operations throughout the month. These officers didn’t just enforce railroad safety laws – they provided education in their communities, sharing rail safety messages during #SeeTracksThinkTrainWeek and throughout California Rail Safety month. We also thank first responders and law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada who joined this coordinated effort to #STOPTrackTragedies.
The ripple effect of these partnerships extends far beyond September, as every person reached becomes a potential advocate sharing safety messages with family, friends, and colleagues throughout the year.
Your Year-Round Rail Safety Mission
Rail Safety Month may be ending, but the need for vigilance around railroad tracks never stops. Here’s how you can continue making a difference every day:
Share the Message
Become a rail safety advocate in your own circles. Share safety tips with family members, especially children and teenagers who may be tempted to take shortcuts across tracks or use railroad property as recreational space.
Stay Connected
Follow California Operation Lifesaver on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to receive ongoing safety reminders and updates about rail safety initiatives in your area.
Emergency Notification System Sign
Know how to report malfunctioning gates or issues at a highway rail grade crossing or what to do in an emergency. An Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, posted at or near a highway-rail grade crossing, lists a telephone number along with the crossing’s US DOT number and is used to notify the railroad of an emergency or warning device malfunction. Watch this “Find the Blue and White ENS Sign” PSA which shows you what to do if you are stuck on the tracks at the crossing..
Model Safe Behavior
Your actions around railroad tracks set an example for others. Always cross at designated crossings, stay alert, never walk on railroad tracks, follow the signs, signals and laws near railroad tracks. Respect the rails and always choose safety first.
Support Rail Safety Education
Consider volunteering with California Operation Lifesaver or making a donation to support our educational programs. Every contribution helps us reach more communities with life-saving information.
Keep the momentum going by sharing rail safety tips with five people in your life: family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. When we all commit to spreading the message, we multiply our impact exponentially. Save Lives Tell 5.
