2012-02-02 21:01:34 - California Operation Lifesaver announcing the release of a new rail safety video "Always Expect a Train."

California Operation Lifesaver(CAOL) is proud to announce the release of ��Always Expect a Train��an educational video produced in association with CAOL’s safety partner, the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Four versions of this life-saving video were produced: one targeting the high-risk population of teen drivers; one addressing the general driving public; and a version of each adapted into Spanish to meet the needs of California’s huge and growing Hispanic population.

Designed to educate and inform, the video stresses the importance of knowing the rules, making smart choices and behaving responsibly to prevent needless tragedies around the rails. The message is illustrated and reinforced by a series of lifestyle characters who appear in the video, each relating a mindset or thought

process associated with a critical rail-safety blunder: “I was late “I’ve never seen a train there “That train was a long way off for example.

The seven-minute video has been approved by Operation Lifesaver’s national office as an official training tool, and will be available free of charge to Traffic Schools, Driver Training Programs and other educational entities for use as part of their safe driver training. The video also stands on its own as an educational example to all drivers, and is expected to be used by Operation Lifesaver organizations in other states to further the cause nationwide.

“Always Expect a Train” will be launched using California Operation Lifesaver’s network of online media to spread the message of rail safety as far and wide as possible. It will be hosted at the organization’s website.

California Operation Lifesaver, a statewide, non-profit educational organization, seeks to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities at California's highway-rail grade crossings and on the railroad rights-of-way. Free safety presentations are given to schools, community groups, school bus or professional truck drivers, emergency responders and other organizations. For more information, call Pete Aadland at 760-688-0588.