Team NS volunteers bring rail safety into local communities

Sep 25, 2026

Norfolk Southern Rail Safety Week volunteers

Rail safety starts long before someone reaches a crossing.

Top Takeaway

More than 70 Norfolk Southern volunteers partnered with Operation Lifesaver during See Tracks? Think Train! Week to bring rail safety education directly to communities across five cities.

This year, for See Tracks? Think Train! Week, Norfolk Southern employees partnered with Operation Lifesaver to bring rail safety education directly into the communities they serve. From talking with drivers at railroad crossings to visiting local classrooms, volunteers helped reinforce how simple, safe choices can prevent incidents around tracks and trains.

Meeting people where they are

On Sept. 23, more than 70 NS volunteers joined Operation Lifesaver for crossing blitzes contributing over 140 hours of service across five communities:

Atlanta: Austell Powder Springs Road in Austell
Birmingham: Ashville Road in Leeds
Chicago: Sibley Street in Hammond
Cleveland: Columbia Road in Olmsted Falls
Pittsburgh: Amity Street in Homestead

At each location, volunteers shared rail safety information with drivers, pedestrians, and members of the surrounding community, reinforcing simple reminders to stay alert, obey warning devices, and never cross when signals are activated.

Norfolk Southern Rail Safety Week volunteers in Leeds, Alabama

Reaching the next generation

The effort also extended into local classrooms.

Community Impact Ambassadors Ariana Draine and Leon Jackson visited Mt. Carmel Elementary on Sept. 22 to help students understand how to stay safe around tracks and trains.

What we’re saying

“Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and our volunteers help bring that message directly into the communities we serve. By connecting with drivers and students, we can reinforce simple choices that make a real difference around tracks and crossings. Every conversation is an opportunity to help someone stay safe.”- John Fleps, Chief Safety Officer

The big picture

Every interaction during Rail Safety Week helps build greater awareness around the railroad.

Whether through conversations at a crossing or lessons in a classroom, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to helping drivers, students, and families make informed choices that keep themselves and their communities safe.

Learn more about rail safety here.