Florida Operation Lifesaver

About FL OL

What is Florida Operation Lifesaver?

Florida Operation Lifesaver (FL OL) is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings, and trespassing on or near Florida’s 3,857 miles of active railroad tracks.

The program is administered by the Florida Department of Transportation and partners with various state and local government agencies, community organizations, and private companies to convey Operation Lifesaver’s important rail safety message throughout the state.

Together, we promote the three E's - Education, Enforcement and Engineering - to keep people safe around the tracks and railway crossings all across the country.

Why is Florida Operation Lifesaver needed?

Unfortunately, Florida ranks in the top 5 states for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Collisions. In 2022, there were 117 collisions, 20 deaths, and 51 injuries. Additionally, in America, a person or vehicle is hit by a train roughly every three hours, and that's a reality we are committed to change. Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit rail safety education and public awareness organization dedicated to saving lives. The vision is to be the recognized leader in providing the public with rail safety education and ending death and injuries due to trespassing and collisions on or near the tracks.

For additional information about the program, please contact the Florida State Coordinator, Brian Owens at 850-414-4552 or email at floridaol@dot.state.fl.us.

FL OL Events

We had a fantastic time at the Ancient City Kids Day in St. Augustine on October 26, 2024! Here’s a picture featuring three amazing OLAVs that stood out at our booths.

Rail Safety Week photos at FDOT's District 4 Headquarters.

Rail Safety Week photos at Polk State College on September 25, 2024. Sharing the message with college students in the cafeteria with FDOT coworkers!

On September 7, 2024, Brian Owens (Florida State Coordinator) shared a rail safety presentation with over 500 attendees at Wakulla Library's Take Your Child to the Library Day: Pirate Edition!!

On August 21, 2024, Northeast Florida Regional Coordinator Charlie Myers ("Choo Choo Charlie") and OLAV Richalyn Williams gave an OL Presentation to KIPP Bus Drivers in Jacksonville, Florida.

August 8, 2024. School bus driver training with Brian Owens and Vince Contestabile in Manatee County.

April 20, 2024 - Callahan Railroad Days booth in Callaham, Florida.

On March 2, 2024, Brian Owens (Florida State Coordinator) presented Rail Safety topics at the Wakulla County Library's Dr Seuss Spring Open House & Community Partner Fair. Thank you to the library for hosting a great event and allowing us to spread the word on rail safety!