The First Half of 2017 has flown by…
WOW! It is hard to believe that we are half way through 2017! California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) was off and running at the beginning of the year. Our team of amazing volunteers lost no time demonstrating their commitment to raising rail safety awareness and saving lives by participating in the City of Riverside Winter Wonderland event on January 1st, In the first half of the year, we have participated in a variety of events and provided presentations across the state as a part of CAOL’s resolution to continue our rail safety education growing our See Tracks? Think Train! campaign. Events that included:
In the first half of 2017, in addition to the variety of events, our remarkable volunteer team has provided rail safety educational presentations to many groups, including: Pre-K/Headstart, K- 8 Students, General High School, Driver Education, School Bus Drivers, Professional Drivers, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Adults across the state. We are grateful to our team for all they do to share and save lives with our rail safety education statewide. Thank you to all of our rail safety partners and our volunteer team for their support and dedication that helps us grow our message! Nancy Sheehan- McCulloch – State Coordinator  Operation Lifesaver Announces U.S. Rail Safety Week- September 24-30 Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org), announced in February 2017 that it will work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations to observe the first national Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 24-30, 2017.The goal of RSW is to raise awareness across the United States of the need for rail safety education and empower the general public to keep themselves safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way. California Operation Lifesaver recognizes September as “Rail Safety Month” in the state. CAOL will work with our rail safety partners, volunteers, and communities throughout California to enhance our efforts to raise awareness during these important dates. #railsafety #SeeTracksThinkTrain  CAOL AWARDED TWO GRANTS – OL/FHWA AND OL/FRA In early 2017, California Operation Lifesaver was fortunate to be awarded two grants. The first grant from Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for rail crossing safety public education efforts. The second grant awarded by Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI) in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration will fund a variety of rail crossing safety and trespass prevention public education projects. Both grants will be in conjunction with California’s September Rail Safety Month and the U.S. Rail Safety Week, September 24-30, 2017. CAOL will conduct a grade crossing TV public service announcement (PSA) campaign during August and September in markets that have experienced an increase in crossing incidents. California OL also will incorporate activities throughout the state during September, which is California Rail Safety Month, and partner with Railroad Partner police departments on enforcement events and community outreach in Los Angeles County during U.S. Rail Safety Week. California Operation Lifesaver will also conduct a geo-fencing trespass prevention digital campaign with “See Tracks? Think Train!” ads at sports venues, auditoriums, hotels, and homeless shelters located near railroad tracks in 13 high-incident counties, including areas where both trespass incidents and near-miss events have occurred. In addition to this heavy focus on trespass prevention, grade crossing safety awareness messages and materials will be shared at information booths at events, including San Bernardino 66’ers baseball games. CAOL is grateful to Operation Lifesaver Inc. the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration for the support they give us with these grants that help us raise rail safety awareness and save lives.  Our Amazing Volunteers In early 2017, we held volunteer appreciation luncheons in Northern and Southern CA. Our team members who met the OL/CAOL presentation/event criteria were recognized for their outreach efforts. To Our Entire Volunteer Team, We are grateful for ALL of our Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers! Every day we are amazed by your steadfast dedication, tireless commitment, and your unending passion for growing our message. The dedication and efforts of this team provides crucial rail safety awareness to communities throughout California We are grateful for all that you do to save lives with our rail safety education. We thank each of you for your dedication and support! Nancy Sheehan – State Coordinator Sara Logan – Assistant State Coordinator  New Video: “The Emergency Notification System” Thank you Amtrak for your video raising awareness on the Emergency Notification System Signs at railroad crossings. Watch the video, “The Emergency Notification System” to learn 3 ways to save your life if you are stuck on the tracks! #railsafety #seetracksthinktrain
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