Operation Lifesaver of Vermont
About OLVT
What is Operation Lifesaver of Vermont?
Operation Lifesaver of Vermont (OLVT) 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 Vermont Agency of Transportation, railroads operatings 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. Operation Lifesaver of Vermont is part of a national nonprofit program known as Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI).
Why is Operation Lifesaver Needed?
Sadly, every year hundreds of people nationally are killed or injured at highway-rail crossings and at other locations along railroad tracks. Every three hours in the United States, on average, a person or vehicle is struck by a train. We have had one fatality so far this year in Vermont.
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.
OLVT Events
Operation Lifesaver of Vermont provides free presentations in schools from elementary level to driver's education classes. All you need to do is ask! We also appear at special events, such as the Champlain Valley Exposition, the Hartford Block Party, and others. Let us know how we can help share our rail safety education messages.
OLVT Safety Partners
OLVT Board of Directors
Charles Hunter, President, New England Central Railroad (Charles.Hunter@gwrr.com)
Dan Delabruere, Secretary, VTrans Rail & Aviation Director
Hon. David Allaire, Treasurer, Rutland Mayor
SGT Mark Perkins, Vermont State Police
Perry Martel, Vermont Rail System
Rob Rohauer, CSX
Crystal Blasius, Amtrak
Norma Jean Griffiths, Non-Voting Member, Federal Railroad Administration
Allyson Kilbride, State Coordinator
OLVT Safety Partners
Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)
Vermont Rail System
Central Maine and Quebec Railway
Pan Am Railways
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.
Vermont Highway Safety Alliance
OLVT Statistics
Volunteer Page
We need volunteers to do presentations in driver's education classes at local high schools. Please pick a school that you would like to present for and let me know. I will reach out to the school to facilitate the presentation. THANK YOU.