Indiana Rail Safety Week highlights safety around trains and tracks

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – More than 2,000 people in North America are killed or seriously injured when engaging in unsafe behavior around trains and train tracks.

During the week of September 23-29, Indiana Operation Lifesaver is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc. and State Operation Lifesaver programs across the nation to observe Rail Safety Week.

Officials state about 100 people are killed or injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents in Indiana.

“Indiana Rail Safety Week activities in Indiana will emphasize community education events along with social media activity sharing the lifesaving rail safety education message,” said Indiana Operation Lifesaver Executive Director Jessica Feder. “We are kicking off the week today with a state Indiana Rail Safety Week proclamation. Through rail safety education during this weekend every day, we are empowering Indiana residents to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains and to help keep their communities safe.”

Officials say during the week, new social media graphics, videos and public service announcements 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 assessed at oli.org/stop-track-tragedies or stoptracktragedies.ca .

Officials also say in Indiana and across the U.S., the featuring themes and messages will be emphasized:

• Monday, Sept. 23 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and 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.
• Thursday, Sept. 26 will be 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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).