Selfies and Curfews are no Reason to Race That Train
Omaha, Neb., August 15, 2016
Union Pacific today launched a railroad safety campaign on YouTube, Facebook and Pandora reminding drivers and pedestrians to use caution when approaching railroad tracks. The campaign reminds drivers that "Your Life is Worth the Wait" at railroad crossings, and urges people to not take "selfies" on or around railroad tracks.
Your Life is Worth the Wait
Two commercials ask viewers "What is your life worth?" One, titled Curfew, features a teenage boy racing to get his date home before curfew and racing to beat an oncoming train at a railroad crossing. A second ad, titled Interview, depicts a woman contemplating driving around crossing gates so she can arrive on time at her job interview. In each scenario, drivers hit the brakes and stop just before the train continues through the crossing. They are relieved and realize their life was worth the wait.
Save Face - Selfies off the Tracks
In a second set of videos, Union Pacific uses animation to address pedestrian safety and the dangers of taking photos on railroad tracks. One features a soccer fan taking a selfie on the field during game action and another shows people taking selfies in front of landmarks. While there are all kinds of unique places to take selfies, Union Pacific reminds everyone that railroad tracks are not among them.
The public safety campaign includes a Chicago-focused Pandora commercial encouraging passenger train commuters to turn down the volume on their earbuds when near railroad tracks.