Operation Lifesaver Reports on 2025 Rail Safety Outreach and First Responder Training
The rail safety nonprofit debuted public service announcements for RV drivers and motorists near transit trains and held its first Emergency Notification System Sign Awareness Day.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Oct 23, 2026
More than 1.3 million people met face to face with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) volunteers at rail safety events in 2025, the nonprofit's executive director said.
Nearly 2,000 authorized volunteers made those contacts. The total counts only in-person contact and leaves out anyone reached online or through the media, Executive Director Rachel Maleh said.
First responders were another focus. OLI's peer-to-peer Railroad Investigation and Safety Course reached 6,228 of them in 2025, the group said.
The first Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day ran in 2025. Through in-person events and media outreach, the day showed people how to spot the ENS sign, which is blue and white, and how to use it, OLI said.
Four new public service announcements came out in 2025, according to OLI. Two target drivers on roads shared with transit trains. The other two target RV drivers.
OLI brought on 410 new volunteers in 2025 and trained new coaches, Maleh said. Four state coordinators also joined to cover OLI programs in West Virginia, Minnesota, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
Across all of its platforms, OLI's social media posts drew 16.6 million impressions in 2025, the group said.
OLI is a national nonprofit that teaches rail safety.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.