Every year, Indiana averages 105 crashes involving trains, resulting in 12 deaths and 35 injuries. Another 12 deaths and 12 injuries occur due to trespassing on train tracks. Nationwide in 2013, there were 490 trespass fatalities and another 215 suicides involving our country's railways.
The Indiana State Police is proud to partner with Indiana Operation Lifesaver to help reduce railroad injuries and fatalities through increased public awareness and education. (For some helpful safety tips, please visit Operation Lifesaver's Safety Tips page at https://oli.org/education-resources/safety-tips.)
Since 1984, Indiana Operation Lifesaver (INOL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public safety program member of the national organization, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., has been working hard to educate the public (of all ages) about the dangers at highway-rail grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way through free Operation Lifesaver presentations made by trained, Certified Presenters. The program strives to improve driver and pedestrian behavior at railroad crossings by encouraging compliance with traffic laws relating to crossing signs and signals. In addition to its education program, INOL encourages the enforcement of existing traffic and trespassing laws.
If you have an interest in becoming part of the team that can improve safety at rail/ highway crossings here in Indiana, INOL has great opportunities for public service or just giving back to your community by becoming a Certified Operation Lifesaver Presenter. Visit Operation Lifesaver's Presenter's page to find out more about becoming a volunteer Presenter or other volunteer opportunities.