California Operation Lifesaver, an organization that puts its focus on reducing accidents and fatalities on the state’s railways through its educational and awareness programs, is observing Rail Safety Month throughout September and has released some facts and figures.

According to the website, caoperationlifesaver.com, every three hours a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. California, meanwhile, has two-and-a-half times more trespass fatalities than the next highest state and also has two times the number of grade crossing fatalities than the next highest state.

Back in 2009, the California state legislature proclaimed September as Rail Safety Month; there is also a nationwide observance scheduled for later this month.

“The Legislature’s recognition provides crucial support to our rail safety mission to provide education and raise awareness that can change dangerous behaviors near tracks and trains that can save lives,” the Operation Lifesaver website indicates.

The Central Valley is crisscrossed by train tracks, with both freight trains and Amtrak trains a familiar sight in many communities. Commuter trains such as the San Joaquins also make regular trips from the Valley to the Bay Area. BNSF, Amtrak, the San Joaquins, ACE, Capitol Corridor, Union Pacific and Caltrans are among the local partners of Operation Lifesaver.

Along with the Rail Safety Month, California Operation Lifesaver is also an active participant in the larger informational safety campaign, the ‘See Tracks? Think Train Week’ which is set for Monday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 29 this year. During that week, multiple rail safety partners in California and across the United States, as well as in Canada and Mexico, highlight ways to stop tragedies on the train tracks.

Also in observance of the month, people are encouraged to wear red on Fridays in September to support the ‘Stop Track Tragedies’ message.