September is Rail Safety Month in California

California, as one of the largest states, is filled with busy rail corridors and active communities.
Unfortunately, we lead the nation with the highest number of fatalities in both trespass and grade crossing incidents.
In 2009, the California State Legislature proclaimed and presented the September Rail Safety Month proclamation to California Operation Lifesaver and their Safety Partners.
The Legislature’s important recognition provides crucial support to California Operation Lifesaver’s (CAOL) essential rail safety mission to change dangerous behaviors near tracks and trains.


California Operation Lifesaver works all year long to provide rail safety education throughout the state. During California Rail Safety Month, which includes Rail Safety Week (celebrated in the U.S, Canada, and Mexico during the last week of September), we continue to enhance our efforts and raise awareness to save lives.
CAOL provides Rail Safety Presentations tailored for every audience. We participate in community events and work at all levels with our cities and counties. We encourage them to share rail safety messages and be proactive in becoming rail safe communities.
Every 3 hours in the United States, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train. California ranks #1 in trespass casualties (injuries and fatalities) and #2 in grade cross incidents.
CAOL is committed to saving lives and changing these numbers. Please join us in helping raise awareness.
- Request a Rail Safety Presentation. Request a Rail Safety Booth
- Share Rail Safety Tips with your family and friends. Ask them to always make safe decision near tracks and trains. Ask them to share rail safety with their family and friends. #SaveLivesTell5
- Raise Awareness: Red Out for Rail Safety! Wear Red Every Friday in September. Take photos and share them on your social media channels and tag us. OR…Send your photos to us and we will share them on our social media channel.
- Become a donating partner or in-kind contributor. Reach out to us for more information.
Rail Safety Partners Raising Awareness To Respect The Rails To Save Lives


Growing Rail Safety Awareness
We encourage California citizens to become active rail safety advocates in their communities by sharing rail safety tips with their loved ones. We ask them to help save lives and share the message with five of their family and friends, and then ask those 5 to tell 5 and so on… This is how our Save Lives Tell 5 campaign began. Community engagement increases rail safety awareness which can help us eliminate dangerous grade crossing and trespassing behaviors. #SaveLivesTell5
Please consider making a gift to California Operation Lifesaver today!
We are deeply grateful for any support you provide to our Rail Safety Mission. Your gift today makes a big difference tomorrow and every day!