Calhoun County, AL — Special Agent Matthew Wade of the Norfolk Southern Police Department, serving in his role as an Operation Lifesaver volunteer, joined representatives from Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) this week to speak with students at local schools about the importance of rail safety. The presentations coincided with National “See Tracks? Think Train” Week, a nationwide effort running from September 15–21, 2025, to raise awareness about preventing train-related accidents.
On Tuesday, Wade visited Wellborn Elementary School to address the sixth grade, followed by a presentation to the fourth grade at Alexandria Elementary School. Between the two schools, nearly 400 students participated in the safety sessions.
During the programs, students were challenged to share something they learned with their families when they returned home, encouraging the rail safety message to extend beyond the classroom.
“These presentations are not just about giving information once and moving on,” Wade explained. “The goal is to spark conversations at home, so young people continue to remember these lessons and reinforce safe habits around train tracks.”
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit rail safety organization founded in 1972 and supported by railroads nationwide, including Norfolk Southern. The organization provides free educational programs to schools, civic groups, and community organizations. Its mission is to reduce the number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and on railroad rights-of-way.
While train–motor vehicle collisions have decreased 81% since Operation Lifesaver began its outreach, incidents still occur far too often. Federal Railroad Administration data shows that grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespassing account for more than 95% of all railroad-related fatalities in the United States. In 2024 alone, approximately 2,260 train-related incidents were reported nationwide—most of them preventable through awareness and safe practices.
“Awareness is the first step to keeping people safe around train tracks, which is why this week is so important,” said John Fleps, Chief Safety Officer for Norfolk Southern. “Simple actions—staying alert, steering clear of tracks, and following signals—help prevent accidents and save lives.”
Wade emphasized that while this week highlights rail safety nationally, the education effort is ongoing. “Operation Lifesaver is always available to provide programs year-round, not just during Rail Safety Week,” he said. “Schools, civic groups, or any community organization that wants to schedule a presentation can reach out.”
For more information about Operation Lifesaver’s programs or rail safety resources, visit www.oli.org.
