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History of Operation Lifesaver

The History of Operation Lifesaver

In 1972, a concerned Union Pacific Railroad employee, working with the support of many Idaho communities, established a state-wide public education program in an effort to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities occurring at highway-rail grade crossings. At the end of the first year, the fatality rate in Idaho dropped by 39 percent. In 1973, the same education program was started in Nebraska. After a one-year period, Nebraska demonstrated even more impressive results----a 46 percent reduction in highway-rail grade crossing fatalities. In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on reducing and preventing the injuries and fatalities caused by people trespassing on railroad property.

Operation Lifesaver is now active in the 49 continental United States and in parts of Canada. Since its inception in 1972, this public education program has dramatically reduced injuries and fatalities. A cooperative effort involving education, engineering and enforcement are the three factors that continue to make this program successful. Education is provided by the volunteers involved in Operation Lifesaver. Engineering is provided by the professionals who are responsible for improving and maintaining the crossings. Enforcement is provided by your local and state law enforcement officials and railroad police officers who actively enforce the laws at crossings and along the railroad right-of-ways.


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Posted/updated: 10/27/2008