Pennsylvania Operation Lifesaver
About PA OL
Pennsylvania Operation Lifesaver (PAOL) 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 railroad tracks. OL promotes rail safety through public awareness campaigns and education initiatives, including free safety presentations by authorized volunteers. We speak to school groups, driver education classes, community audiences, professional drivers, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and others. Our program is co-sponsored by state and local government agencies, highway safety organizations, America's railroads, and other entities. Together we promote the three E's - education, enforcement and engineering - to keep people safe around the tracks and railway crossings within our communities. Pennsylvania OL is part of a national nonprofit program known as Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI).
Why is Operation Lifesaver Needed?
Pennsylvania has 64 operating railroads (#1 in the U.S.) and over 5,100 miles of track. Sadly, every year people in Pennsylvania are killed or injured at highway-rail crossings and at other locations along railroad tracks. It’s a startling fact that about every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train.
Many people are unaware that trains cannot stop quickly to avoid collisions; or, they take chances by ignoring warning signs and signals, going around lowered gates, stopping on tracks, or simply not paying attention when approaching highway-rail crossings. People also make the potentially fatal mistake of choosing railroad tracks as shortcuts or as places to take pictures or walk for recreation. They may not realize that walking on train tracks is illegal, or understand how quickly and quietly a train can approach. Our safety tips can save your life – or the life of someone you love.
Become an Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteer
We are always looking for high-energy volunteers to help us spread our important message.
PA OL Events
We will be attending National Move Over Day at the PA Turnpike HQ on October 18th from 12n-3pm.
ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!
PA OL Statistics
Current Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data shows that highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities.
Visit the Operation LIfesaver Statistics Page
Recent Events/News
The Grand Opening of the Railfan platform in Mechanicsburg, PA in September of 2025.
Saftey Blitz in Homestead, PA with Norfolk Southern in September 2025.
We were at RAILFEST at Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA in late August 2025.
In August 2025, Operation Lifesaver participated in National Night Out across a number of Pennsylavania communities. It was a great evening sharing the rail safety message.
In June 2025, Operation Lifesaver Inc. held their first ENS Sign Awareness Day. It was a nationwide day to bring awareness to this crucial safety sign. Do you know how to use it?
See trouble on or near the tracks? Safely find the ENS sign, call the number listed and provide the crossing ID. This is also great information to share when calling 911.
If your vehicle is stuck or stalls on the tracks:
• Get out immediately. Get far away from the tracks – even if no train is in sight.
• Find the ENS sign and call the number listed. Give the dispatcher the crossing ID.
• No sign, call 911.
Links
Crossing Locator - Mobile Application
The Crossing Locator was developed to provide users with access to the highway-rail grade crossing database and map features from a mobile device. The tool allows users to locate crossings by USDOT Crossing ID, address or geo-location; access inventory records submitted by states and railroads; and view accident history. Emergency first responders will find this app quite helpful
FRA Railroad Safety
FRA's Office of Railroad Safety promotes and regulates safety throughout the Nation's railroad industry.
FRA Crossing Safety
Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention
FRA Blocked Crossings
Report a Blocked Crossing to the FRA
PennDOT Railroad Safety
The national leader with 64 operating railroads, Pennsylvania continues to educate motorists and pedestrians on the importance of railroad safety through Operation Lifesaver.
PA PUC Rail Safety
The Rail Safety Section performs two distinct functions. The Section handles proceedings pertaining to the abolition, alteration, construction, relocation and suspension of public highway-railroad crossings in order to prevent accidents and promote public safety.
Public Sevice Announcments
Find-the-Blue-and-White-ENS-Sign
