Safety Briefs: U.S. DOT Launches $6.6MM Crossing Campaign, OLI Offers Virtual Education Resources

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Federal Railroad Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are managing this year's safety campaign, which is reaching audiences via radio, digital and social media platforms.

The Federal Railroad Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are managing this year's safety campaign, which is reaching audiences via radio, digital and social media platforms.

Following Rail Safety Week, the U.S. Department of Transportation is running a $6.6 million “Stop. Trains Can’t” public awareness campaign through Nov. 8. In addition, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has made available online versions of its most popular highway-rail grade crossing safety materials for children.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are managing the 2020 campaign, which is reaching audiences via radio, digital and social media platforms, and targets high-risk crossings in Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee and Texas.

“Evolving technology will continue to help reduce fatalities at our nation’s rail grade crossings, but driver awareness is paramount to bringing down the fatality rate,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald L. Batory, who recently wrote a safety column for Railway Age.

OLI’s Virtual Trains & Tracks and Virtual Main Line videos are now online to educate children on highway-rail grade crossing safety.

OLI’s free interactive resources for children ages 5-13 include characters children can identify with. “They are designed to grab your attention and teach these important safely lessons in fun, interactive and interesting ways,” OLI Education Manager Moriah Whiteman said. The Virtual Trains & Tracks and Virtual Main Line videos are available for elementary school students and middle-schoolers, respectively.

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