What Operation Lifesaver does

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a Washington, D.C.-headquartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Idaho in 1972 to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights-of-way. Its core offering is free rail safety education delivered by a nationwide network of authorized volunteers (OLAVs) and state coordinators across all 50 U.S. states plus Palau, supplemented by the Authorized Volunteer e-Learning (AVE) online training platform and a digital library of curriculum, lesson plans, PSAs, and videos. Specialized training products include the tiered Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) for law enforcement and firefighters, with OPOTA-accredited RISC-LE offering CPT credits to officers.

The organization runs public awareness campaigns including Rail Safety Week, See Tracks? Think Train!® Week, ENS Sign Awareness Day, STOP Track Tragedies, and the Transit Safety Pledge, and it tracks outcomes using Federal Railroad Administration statistics, reporting an 81% decline in annual train/motor vehicle collisions since 1972 (from roughly 12,000 to approximately 2,226 in 2025). Technology is intentionally light: educational content, the AVE learning platform, a volunteer presentation-reporting database, and the OLI Stores e-commerce site for branded merchandise; no AI/ML, API, or proprietary software products are disclosed.

Operation Lifesaver is funded through voluntary contributions from U.S. Class I railroads (Amtrak, BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, CN, CP, Kansas City Southern), federal grants administered by the FRA through OLI's national office, individual donations, branded merchandise sales, and foundation support (e.g., Posner Family Foundation of Pittsburgh). Distribution runs through state coordinators, a self-serve presentation-request system, and bilateral partnerships with federal agencies (U.S. DOT, FRA, FHWA, FTA, NTSB, NHTSA), state DOTs and highway patrols, transit authorities, and trade associations (AAR, ASLRRA, APTA, ILCAD, American Farm Bureau Federation). Leadership comprises Executive Director Rachel Maleh, Vice President Wende Corcoran, and Director of Education and Training Moriah Whiteman, with a Board of Directors and National Advisory Council providing governance and industry representation.

Name

Operation Lifesaver

Legal name

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Website

https://oli.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Operation Lifesaver is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that delivers free rail safety education through authorized volunteers and state coordinators across all 50 U.S. states, serving schools, drivers, law enforcement, and first responders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Safety Education

NAICS

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities (922)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Education (CPR/First Aid/Disaster Readiness) (EDAAAFAJ)

Keywords

• Rail safety education
• Grade crossing safety
• Public safety awareness
• Volunteer training programs
• Nonprofit safety organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Railroad and Corporate Contributions: Funding from railroads operating in each state and corporate partners. Oregon Operation Lifesaver is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from Oregon's railroads.
2. Federal Grants: Grant money provided by the Federal Railroad Administration, administered through OLI national office. Wisconsin OL receives some grant funding.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations and fundraising activities. South Carolina OL accepts donations through their website. Contributions to Operation Lifesaver, Inc. are tax-deductible.
4. Branded Merchandise Sales: Sale of official OLI gear and materials including branded clothing, promotional items, and printed education materials through the OLI Stores.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization that delivers free rail safety education through a nationwide network of authorized volunteers (OLAVs) and state coordinators across all 50 U.S. states. The organization provides free safety presentations to schools, community groups, professional drivers, law enforcement, and first responders, along with specialized training courses such as the Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) for incident response. It also runs public awareness campaigns (Rail Safety Week, See Tracks? Think Train!) and distributes educational materials to reduce collisions, fatalities, and trespassing incidents at highway-rail crossings and on railroad rights-of-way.

Product overview

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit rail safety education organization offering free public safety programs rather than a commercial product or software platform. Its portfolio includes rail safety education programs delivered by authorized volunteers, specialized training courses (RISC/RISC-LE) for law enforcement and first responders, and public awareness campaigns including Rail Safety Week, ENS Sign Awareness Day, and the Transit Safety Pledge. The organization also provides a digital library of free educational materials (videos, lesson plans, PSAs) and maintains a nationwide volunteer and state coordinator network across all 50 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rail Safety Education Programs Free rail safety presentations delivered by authorized volunteers to schools (Pre-K through 12th grade), community organizations, driver education classes, professional drivers, law enforcement, and first responders across all 50 U.S. states. The program covers track safety basics, highway-rail crossing safety, trespass prevention, and safe driving/walking practices near trains.
• Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) Specialized training course for law enforcement (RISC-LE) and firefighters/first responders (RISC-FF) on proper safety techniques for investigating or responding to highway-rail grade crossing collisions or trespasser incidents. Offered at Basic (1-hour), Intermediate (2-hour), and Advanced (4-hour) levels. RISC-LE training provides CPT credits through OPOTA accreditation.
• OLAV Authorized Volunteer Program Volunteer certification program enabling citizens to become trained rail safety presenters who conduct free community presentations and outreach. Applicants complete online training through the AVE (Authorized Volunteer e-Learning) platform, with applications processed through state coordinators.
• Rail Safety Educational Materials Library Free digital library of rail safety resources including videos, public service announcements, lesson plans for Pre-K through 12th grade, brochures, posters, quizzes, and social media content organized by audience (students, teachers, first responders, drivers) and topic.
• Transit Safety Pledge Program Online pledge program allowing transit riders to commit to safe behavior around railroad tracks and trains. Available for Pre-K, kids (ages 6-12), and adults (ages 13 and up). Includes partnerships with transit agencies for bus wraps and shelter ads.

Quantifiable outcome

• 81% decline in collisions since 1972, from ~12,000 to ~2,226 annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and regional.

• Federal Highway AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government agency partner supporting Operation Lifesaver's rail safety mission. Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Federal Railroad AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary federal agency partner providing grant funding administered through OLI national office. Provides technical expertise and collision data.
• Federal Transit AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner supporting transit safety initiatives as part of the DOT family of agencies.
• National Transportation Safety BoardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner contributing expertise on transportation safety investigations and recommendations.
• U.S. Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent federal department supporting Operation Lifesaver through the DOT family of agencies including FRA, FHWA, and FTA.
• AmtrakcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor railroad partner providing financial support and operational expertise. Amtrak Police are involved in RISC training development.
• BNSF Railway (Burlington Northern Santa Fe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Class I railroad partner providing funding, volunteer support, and railroad police for RISC training.
• Union Pacific RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Class I railroad partner supporting state programs and providing railroad police for training programs.
• CSX TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Class I railroad partner with railroad police contributing to RISC training development and state-level safety partnerships.
• Norfolk Southern CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Class I railroad partner providing funding and operational support for state programs including Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina.
• Canadian National RailwaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClass I railroad partner with U.S. operations supporting OLI programs.
• Canadian Pacific RailwaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClass I railroad partner with U.S. operations supporting OLI programs.
• Genesee & WyomingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShort line and regional railroad operator supporting state programs including Vermont and Oregon.
• Kansas City SouthernmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClass I railroad partner supporting OLI mission.
• Virginia Railway ExpressregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommuter rail partner in Virginia providing safety support.
• Association of American RailroadsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association representing major railroads supporting OLI's national programs.
• American Short Line and Regional Railroad AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade association representing short line and regional railroads that support state OLI programs.
• ILCAD (International Level Crossing Awareness Day)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization co-leading global rail safety awareness initiatives with OLI.
• American Public Transportation AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade association for public transportation supporting transit safety initiatives.
• American Farm Bureau FederationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural organization partner helping reach farmers and agricultural workers about rail safety.
• Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState transportation agency partner for Vermont Operation Lifesaver, with the Rail & Aviation Director serving on the board.
• Wisconsin Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner supporting Wisconsin OLI through funding and operational resources.
• Wisconsin State PatrolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState law enforcement agency partner for Wisconsin OLI.
• Virginia Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState transportation agency partner for Virginia OLI under the SCC's Utility and Railroad Safety Division.
• Hampton Roads TransitregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransit authority partner in Virginia supporting transit safety education.
• Public Utilities Commission of OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState regulatory agency partner for Ohio OLI.
• Ohio Rail Development CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState rail development agency partner for Ohio OLI.
• Ohio Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState transportation agency partner for Ohio OLI.
• NC Dept. of Transportation Rail DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState transportation agency partner for North Carolina OLI, with representative on the board.
• NC State Highway PatrolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState law enforcement agency partner for North Carolina OLI with representative on the board.
• Charlotte Area Transit SystemregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransit authority partner in North Carolina.
• Pan Am Southern RailwayregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional railroad partner for Vermont OLI.
• Wisconsin Commissioner of RailroadsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState regulatory body for railroads in Wisconsin.
• Railway Association of North CarolinamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState railway industry association partner.
• Ohio School Boards AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation organization partner helping reach schools in Ohio.
• Oregon Pupil Transportation AssociationregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerState education transportation association partner.
• TriMetregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor transit agency partner in Oregon.
• Portland StreetcarregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban transit partner in Oregon.
• BeRailSafemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization working with NCDOT to inform and educate North Carolinians about rail safety.
• SCDOTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Carolina Department of Transportation, state agency partner.
• SC Highway PatrolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState law enforcement partner in South Carolina.
• Palmetto RailwaysregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned railroad operator partner in South Carolina.
• WYDOTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWyoming Department of Transportation, state agency partner.
• WATCOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShort line railroad operator partner in Wyoming.
• NHTSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, federal safety partner.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Nonprofit research and education foundation focused on traffic safety. Highly comparable as a safety-education nonprofit delivering free public-facing safety content, partnered with motor clubs and government, and producing measurable behavioral outcomes.
• BeRailSafe: North Carolina-based rail safety nonprofit that partners with NCDOT to educate residents about rail safety. Directly comparable mission (free rail safety education for the public) and noted as an Operation Lifesaver partner.
• International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD): International rail safety awareness campaign co-led with OLI, focused on grade crossing safety education globally. Direct peer in mission, audience, and delivery mechanism (awareness campaigns targeted at drivers, pedestrians, and policymakers).

Broad incumbents

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): Long-running nonprofit public safety education organization focused on impaired driving prevention. Comparable nonprofit model (free public education, federal/state partnerships, awareness campaigns targeting behavior change at population scale).
• Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS): Nonprofit coalition focused on road safety in workplace and fleet settings, with employer-led driver safety programming. Comparable as a safety-education nonprofit targeting professional drivers and employer audiences.
• American Red Cross: Large nonprofit delivering free and subsidized public safety / first aid / CPR education nationwide. Comparable model: free educational services, federal partnerships, large volunteer network, and revenue mix of donations plus training/course fees.
• National Safety Council (NSC): Established U.S. nonprofit addressing broader workplace, roadway, and home safety. Overlaps with OLI on traffic and rail safety education but operates at a wider safety portfolio rather than specializing in rail.
• Safe Kids Worldwide: Global nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood injury, including pedestrian and transportation safety education for children. Directly comparable on the K-12 rail safety education segment OLI serves.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Long-established nonprofit delivering public safety education and codes/standards with broad corporate and government backing. Comparable as a public-safety-education nonprofit with accreditation, training programs, and free educational content.

Emerging players

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Nonprofit focused on converting rail corridors into trails. Adjacent rail-safety/thematic overlap with OLI but a different mission (recreational reuse of rights-of-way rather than crossing/trespass safety education).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/olinational
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/OperationLifesaverInc
• Facebookfacebook.com/operation.lifesaver
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/operation-lifesaver-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/operation_lifesaver_inc
• Pinterestpinterest.com/olinational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Operation Lifesaver