Operation Lifesaver launches safety campaign

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.,  launched two new safety public service announcements at Amtrak’s Union Station in Chicago. The television safety campaign, targeting 18-34-year-olds and Hispanic viewers, is aimed at preventing vehicle-train tragedies in the Chicago area, where crossing incidents increased in 2010. The Federal Railroad Administration provided Operation Lifesaver’s grant for the campaign. “Operation Lifesaver selected Chicago to launch this public service campaign because of its status as an important railroad hub,” said Illinois Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Chip Pew.  “With the growth of freight and commuter rail and the advent of high-speed rail, Operation Lifesaver’s safety message is more important than ever,” he said. Joe Szabo, federal railroad administrator, said, “Once again, Operation Lifesaver is leading the charge to raise awareness about highway-rail safety.  These new PSAs serve as an excellent reminder to drivers about the need to be vigilant at grade crossings.” The first PSA, Where’s the Best Man?, tells the story of a missing best man racing to his friend’s wedding. A hasty decision to ‘save time’ at the crossing brings consequences, raising the question: “Getting there. Is it worth your life?” The second PSA, Conductor Distraido (Distracted Driver), reaches out to 26 percent of the Chicago media market who watch Spanish-language TV.  It features two guys concentrating on a new truck’s electronic gadgets instead of the highway-rail grade crossing ahead, with the message:  “Stay Focused, Stay Alive at rail crossings.” The spots will be shown on Chicago-area television stations and their websites in cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association. “These new safety PSAs remind drivers that their lives are worth the wait at rail crossings,” said Helen M. Sramek, president, Operation Lifesaver, Inc.  According to Sramek, the organization’s safety outreach has aided in an 80 percent drop in vehicle-train collisions over the past four decades. She noted that the PSAs will be distributed nationwide as funds become available.