New York Operation Lifesaver Receives First Innovative
Rail Safety Competitive Grant for Trespass Prevention Campaign
WASHINGTON, DC, April 23, 2020 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), announced it will award the first Innovative Rail Safety Grant for $60,000 to New York Operation Lifesaver. The grant will fund a targeted, data-driven and multifaceted trespass prevention campaign in the state that New York Operation Lifesaver will undertake in partnership with freight and commuter railroads as well as state and federal government agencies.
“We are excited to partner with the FRA on this new grant
promoting innovative and trailblazing ideas that reiterate the importance of
rail safety education to save lives,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh.
The campaign funded by the Innovative Rail Safety Grant
includes a short, animated video in English and Spanish, Geo-Fencing
advertising to individuals engaged in trespassing behaviors at high-incident
locations in the state, social media, print ads at train stations, rest areas
and DMV locations, as well as safety presentations to schools and community
groups in the targeted area.
“This innovative campaign will leverage advertising across
media channels, partnerships with railroads and state agencies and presentations
to reinforce our lifesaving message in high-risk locations,” said New York
Operation Lifesaver Phil Merens.
The grant was awarded through a competitive process, with
selection based on criteria including a demonstrated safety need, concept creativity
and the ability to scale projects.
“The goal of the Innovative Rail Safety Grant is to
encourage new ways to address these preventable rail-related crossing and
trespass incidents,” said James Payne, Staff Director of the FRA Grade Crossing
Safety and Trespass Prevention Program Division. “We are pleased to continue
our partnership with OLI.”
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education
and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and
injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near
railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free
presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks?
Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the
tracks. OLI leads an international observance of Rail Safety Week each
September.
