Impact

  • “My son Shawn lost his life because he thought he could outrun a train.”

    Shawn Potter, 15, died playing chicken on train tracks. "He didn't think it could happen to him," says his mom, Robin.

  • “To save lives is the greatest thing I can ask for”

    “To save lives is the greatest thing I can ask for”

    Walmart driver Rickey Oliver and his team have reached more than 1,000 professional truck drivers with Operation Lifesaver presentations.

 

We’re making a difference.

Over almost four decades, Operation Lifesaver's educational outreach has successfully partnered with public and private rail safety advocates to reduce the number of train/motor vehicle collisions. The proof is in the numbers.

Have an impact on rail safety in your community.

Become an OL Volunteer

New challenges

Estimates that freight rail transportation demand will nearly double by 2035 coupled with predictions for substantial passenger rail increases along many of the country's main freight and passenger-shared networks* promise new challenges for us as rail safety education advocates. - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strategic Plan 2010-2016

Reaching nearly 3.4 million people annually

Being an Operation Lifesaver Presenter has unique meaning for every volunteer but offers each an opportunity to make a difference through rail safety education.

Have an impact on Rail Safety in Your Community.

Become an OL Volunteer

Decline in collisions

We’ve helped to reduce the number of train/motor vehicle collisions from a 1972 high of roughly 12,000 annual incidents to a 2009 record low of approximately 1,900 incidents.
(Source: FRA preliminary 2009 statistics).