Washington State’s See Tracks? Think Train® Week, Sept. 23-29, Highlights the Importance of Making Safe Choices Around Tracks and Trains

LACEY, Wash. - Every year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. Washington Operation Lifesaver is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) and State Operation Lifesaver Programs across the nation during the week of Sept. 23-29 to observe See Tracks? Think Train^® Week, urging the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies. Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are simultaneously observing Rail Safety Week in Canada and Mexico, partnering in the U.S. mission to raise awareness, educate and save lives.

During 2023 in Washington state, 25 people were killed and 35 injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents.

"In the U.S., See Tracks? Think Train^® Week is all about raising awareness and promoting rail safety education. We're highlighting the critical importance of making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains," said Rachel Maleh, executive director of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. "Our daily themes emphasize crossing safety for drivers, trespass prevention for pedestrians, safe practices for transit riders, partnerships with first responders and more. This annual initiative unites safety advocates across North America to share in our common goal of saving lives. Everyone has a role in making our communities safer. Know the facts, recognize the signs, make good decisions and join us. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies."

Washington Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Kathy Hunter said, "We are kicking off the week by sharing a proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee. Through rail safety education during See Tracks? Think Train^® Week and every day, we are empowering Washington state residents to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains and to help keep their communities safe."

During See Tracks? Think Train^® Week, new social media graphics, videos and public service announcements (PSAs) will be released. Two new videos will be launched as part of the ongoing #STOPTrackTragedies campaign, featuring personal stories of people who have been directly affected by rail crossing or trespassing incidents - including victims, friends and family members, locomotive engineers and first responders. The full campaign can be accessed at oli.org/stop-track-tragedies or stoptracktragedies.ca.

In Washington state and across the U.S., the following themes and messaging will be emphasized:

• Monday, Sept. 23 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and See Tracks? Think Train^® Week Proclamations in states and localities. OLI will release two new #STOPTrackTragedies video public service announcements (PSAs).

• Tuesday, Sept. 24 focuses on the annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in-person positive enforcement events, as well as join first responders sharing rail safety education messages through social media, emails and website posts.

• Wednesday, Sept. 25 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the public including driver education students, drivers of all ages, shift workers, school bus drivers and farmers as well as outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings.

• The themes for Thursday, Sept. 26, Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety, showcase how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider, as well as safe choices around railroad tracks and trains for professional drivers. Transit riders will be encouraged to take and share OLI's transit safety pledge.

• Friday, Sept. 27 focuses on Volunteering with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. along with Wearing Red or "Red Out" for Rail Safety by encouraging partner safety organizations, schools, railroad employees and the public to wear red and share photos on social media.

• Saturday, Sept. 28 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, college students, people experiencing homelessness and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.

• Sunday, Sept. 29 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers as well as social media influencers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X and YouTube.

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, endorsing safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL). Follow WAOL on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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