New York Operation Lifesaver

06/11/2026

Just like going around a downed gate at a railroad crossing, going around a school bus when it's stopped to pick up or drop off passengers is dangerous and illegal.

06/09/2026

Tomorrow UP and NS are inviting the public to view the Big Boy locomotive in Buffalo NY on June 10, from 9:00Am-2:30PM

Parking is limited at the site . Access the Big Boy via free shuttles at the Walden Galleria Mall ONLY (North side near Primark.)

Union Pacific connects 23 western U.S. states, providing safe and efficient railroad transportation, freight shipping and logistics.

06/08/2026

June 24 is ENS Sign Awareness Day.

DO you know what the ENS sign is?
OR where at all public railroad crossings the sign is placed?

06/07/2026

On June 10th The Big Boy locomotive will be available for railfans of all ages in Buffalo NY.

Operation Lifesaver volunteers will be there too.

The largest operating steam engine in the world will make its way to Western New York next month.

06/05/2026

Thank you Volunteers. NYOL

NY Operation Lifesaver is a volunteer driven organization.

Spring is always a busy time at NYOL with volunteers going to driver ed classes, high school safety fairs and many other events. Over the next few weeks NYOL volunteers will give their time to get out our rail safety message at events like the Canal Days in Fairport, NY the Big Boy steam locomotive tour extravaganza in Buffalo.

NYOL and it starts with filling out an application at OLI.org

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06/04/2026

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Urges Farmers and Agricultural Workers to
Practice Safety When Working Around Tracks and Trains

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 2, 2026 – With farmers and agricultural workers across the nation preparing for harvest season, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is urging everyone in the agricultural community to make safe choices around tracks and trains.

Every 3 hours in the United States a person or vehicle is hit by a train. A busy harvest season means increased traffic around tracks and trains, especially as workers drive heavy equipment and large loads near or across tracks.

“Trains crisscross the entire country, making rail safety education important for everyone, including farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “All year, but especially during the busy harvest season, staying alert around tracks and trains and making safe choices is vital. We are grateful to America’s farmers, who help feed us and we encourage everyone to review these safety tips and share them within the agricultural community to help prevent incidents.”

There are over 200,000 rail crossings in the U.S., making it likely agricultural workers will encounter tracks and trains while working. Misjudging the time needed to cross tracks or underestimating the speed of an approaching train can have serious consequences. In any situation, careful planning, cautious driving
and rail sign and signal awareness are important steps to take to help
.

Harvest Season Safety Tips
1. Cross legally and safely – Cross only at designated crossings. Obey all warning signs and signals and ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding.
2. Always expect a train – Trains do not follow set schedules. They can travel on any track at any time, from either direction. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
3. Trains have the right of way – You must always yield to a train. Trains cannot swerve or stop quickly. It can take a train over a mile to stop.
4. Know your equipment – Ensure there is enough space for your vehicle and/or equipment to completely clear the tracks before proceeding through a crossing. If operating a low-clearance vehicle, make sure you will be able to drive through the crossing without getting stuck on tracks.
5. Make space and drive with caution – Trains overhang tracks on both sides. Keep at least 15 feet away from tracks at all times. Stay in one gear while crossing. Shifting gears while crossing could cause you to stall on the tracks.
6. Secure your load – Check hitch pins to ensure they cannot dislodge while crossing and that your load is secure. Make sure that farm machinery wheels are properly lined up with the railroad crossing surface to avoid tips and spills.
7. Minimize distractions – Trains are faster and quieter than you think. Minimize distractions and noise around tracks and trains.
8. Stuck or stalled on tracks? Find the Blue and White Sign – If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train. Call the number on the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and share the crossing ID
number with the dispatcher. No sign? Dial 911.

Harvest Season During harvest season and beyond, learn how to safely move farm equipment across railroad tracks and make safe choices around trains. Request a FREE rail safety presentation Harvest Season Materials Operation Lifesaver offers free rail safety resources for farmers and farm machinery o...

06/03/2026

Here's a tip for World Bicycle Day.

Here's another, never ride a bike on a passenger rail platform.

06/01/2026

Shouldn't social media companies take Subway Surfing seriously and move to delete posts quickly? Too many children have become victims, may driven by their search for social media likes. Remember these are children, mostly middle school aged. Children who deserve society's protection.

If your child or teen was harmed by the subway surfing challenge, contact our social media harm lawyers to learn about your legal rights.

05/28/2026

If you book a photographer and they want to use tracks as a backdrop, find someone who's a true professional instead. No one should take wedding or any other picture on or near active railroad tracks. Your special day should be safe and beautiful, so find a place that is both for those beautiful photos that memories are made of.

05/27/2026

It's the spring and people are taking pictures for weddings, for fun, for memories.
The tracks are no place for amateur or professional photographers. These three teenagers died trying to get the perfect pic. Help us and let people know pics and tracks don't mix

Help us . No selfie is worth the risk.