Washington State’s See Tracks? Think Train® Week, Sept. 21-27, highlights the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains

LACEY, Wash. - Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL) is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) and state OL programs across the nation during the week of Sept. 21 to 27 to observe See Tracks? Think Train^® Week, or ST3 Week. At the same time, Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are observing Rail Safety Week, partnering in the U.S. mission to raise awareness, educate, and save lives.

Every year, 2,300 North Americans are killed or badly injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. During 2025 in Washington state, 24 people were killed in grade crossing and trespassing incidents. ST3 Week messaging urges the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies.

WAOL state coordinator Kathy Hunter says, "For the past ten years See Tracks? Think Train week reminds us to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains in our communities. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary, look for WAOL rail safety messages throughout the week starting with a proclamation by Gov. Bob Ferguson".

In Washington state and across the U.S., these themes and messages will be emphasized:

• Monday, Sept. 21: Media outreach and ST3 Week proclamations in states and localities.

• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Operation Clear Track emphasizes the importance of following crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement and first responders will host events and exercises to promote awareness.

• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Crossing safety for drivers, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts, informing how to use blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs.

• Thursday, Sept. 24: Safety tips for rail commuters, transit riders, and professional drivers. Transit riders will be encouraged to take and share OLI's Transit Safety Pledge.

• Friday, Sept. 25: Wear red and share on social to participate in Red Out for Rail Safety Day! Plus, learn about volunteering opportunities with WAOL.

• Saturday, Sept. 26: Trespass prevention tips focused on educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, college student, people experiencing homelessness, and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers of being on or near the tracks.

• Sunday, Sept. 27: No photo, video, or selfie is worth the risk! This day focuses on warning photographers, videographers, influencers, content creators, and the public about the dangers of illegally photographing and filming on or near railroad tracks.

About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

OLI is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X and YouTube.

About the UTC and Washington Operation Lifesaver

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, endorsing safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL). Follow WAOL on Facebook and Instagram.

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