Mississippi Operation Lifesaver

About MS OL

What is Mississippi Operation Lifesaver?
Mississippi Operation Lifesaver (MSOL) 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. OLI 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. MSOL is part of a national nonprofit program known as Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI).

Why is Operation Lifesaver Needed?
Sadly, every year people in Mississippi are killed or injured at highway-rail crossings and at other locations along railroad tracks.
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 walk or run 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. Our volunteers are everywhere—schools, training programs, law enforcement events and safety fairs—with the common purpose of keeping our citizens safe. You can begin the process today by clicking here.

MS OL Events

RAIL SAFETY WEEK 2023
September 18th-24th

MS OL Safety Partners

BNSF Railway
Canadian National Railway
CSX Transportation
Genesee & Wyoming Railroad
Grenada Railroad
Hancock County Port & Harbor
Kansas City Southern Railway
Mississippi Delta Railroad
Mississippi Export Railroad
Mississippi Southern Export
Norfolk Southern Railway
Old Augusta Railroad
Patriot Rail
RJ Corman
Walmart
Watco

MS OL Statistics

Mississippi Rail Crossing and Trespass Statistics
Source: FRA Office of Safety Analysis

Free Railroad Investigation and Safety Course for First Responders (RISC)

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) offers free Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) training for first responders across the United States. Developed by the nation’s railroad police and OLI, RISC arms first responders with on-scene lifesaving safety information unique to the railroad environment when they are responding to incidents involving the railroad.

Every three hours a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the U.S.OLI’s RISC provides critical information that allows first responders to safely investigate train incidents.

“Whether responding to an emergency call, maintaining on-scene safety or investigating a collision, important safety measures must be taken for the safety of first responders as well as the general public and train operators,” said Operation Lifesaver Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “RISC empowers first responders to keep themselves and the public safe when responding in this unique environment.”

RISC replaces OLI’s GCCI (Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course) and is offered in-person and virtually in one-, two-, or four-hour formats, the free RISC walks first responders through a rail incident from start to finish while demonstrating vital personal safety techniques.

OLI has 75 RISC Instructors available to teach RISC across the nation. Learn more about RISC, schedule free RISC training or email RISC@oli.org for more info.