The Illinois Operation Lifesaver program began in 1976. That year, we had over 900 railroad incidents at public highway-rail crossings and 103 people were killed. In In 2021, there were 124 collisions at highway-rail crossings that resulted in 21 people losing their lives. We are making a difference in Illinois.

Our goal is to reduce collisions, injuries, and deaths at highway-rail crossings and along railroad rights-of-way. Each year in Illinois, approximately 70 people die on and around railroad tracks and property. There are few incidents that occur that affect a community and its residents like someone killed by a train. Families and friends of those people killed, train crews, railroad employees, first responders are all greatly impacted by such needless events.

Operation Lifesaver is an active, continuing public education program designed to reduce the number of collisions, deaths, and injuries at highway-rail crossings. Operation Lifesaver is sponsored cooperatively by federal, state, and local government agencies, civic and business organizations, the nation's railroads, and other groups interested in highway safety.

• Operation Lifesaver’s Three Concentration Areas (The 3Es)
• Illinois Rail Safety Information
• Illinois Railroad FACTS - Did You KNow
• Illinois Operation Lifesaver