Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), a nonprofit rail safety education organization, and Operation Lifesaver Canada are joining forces during See Tracks? Think Train! Week, taking place Sept. 15-21.

Known as Rail Safety Week in Canada, the campaign highlights the importance of being alert and making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains.

According to a company release, every 3 hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., followed by crossing incidents. These incidents are preventable with awareness and education.

Daily Themes of Rail Safety Week

Each day of the week, a different safety theme will spotlight critical audiences through in-person and virtual outreach activities led by State Operation Lifesaver Programs and partners.

Monday, Sept. 15 

Kick off with #STOPTrackTragedies Media Outreach Day, launching the campaign with proclamations and the release of a new PSA and video sharing emotional real-life rail incident experiences.

Tuesday, Sept. 16 

Focus 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 and first responders across the U.S. will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities, and other in-person positive enforcement events, as well as share rail safety education messages through social media, emails, and website posts.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 

Highlight Crossing Safety, emphasizing the importance of making safe choices where roadways cross railroad tracks, to include the use of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs.

Thursday, Sept. 18 

Highlight two areas of emphasis: Transit Safety Thursday & Professional Driver Safety, focusing on safe transit rider safety and sharing roadways with transit trains and critical information for truckers and professional drivers, as well as school bus drivers. Transit riders, friends, and family are encouraged to share and take OLI's Transit Safety Pledge.

Friday, Sept. 19 

Focus on volunteering with OLI, while wearing red for "Red Out" for Rail Safety. Encourage partner safety organizations, schools, railroad employees, and the public to wear red in support of rail safety education and share photos on social media.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Trespass Prevention Day targets pedestrians, joggers, students, and outdoor enthusiasts with safety messages about the dangers of being on or near the tracks.

The week concludes on Sunday, Sept. 21, with messages to the creator community as well as amateur and professional photographers. "No Photo, Video, or Selfie is Worth the Risk," warns content creators of the dangers of illegal photos or videos taken near tracks and trains.