Students must pitch their idea in one of the following formats:
- Video Submission
- Essay
- Slideshow
All submissions are due March 31, 2023, by 9 p.m. central/11 p.m. eastern and must answer four questions:
- What are the safety issues faced at rail grade crossings or train tracks?
- Why is rail grade crossing safety important to me or my community?
- Come up with a rail-grade crossing safety innovation that could help drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
- How is your innovation going to save lives?
Teens in the Driver Seat and Union Pacific rail safety experts will judge submissions on the following criteria:
- Originality (40%) – how innovative is your idea and how creative did you get with delivering your pitch through any of the format constraints
- Safety Message (40%) – you show a clear understanding of the problem and what needs to be resolved
- Professionalism (20%) – everything is well written or communicated, you give a very clear understanding to the judges by answering all three questions fully; you’ve also followed all submission and format guidelines.
View Complete Rules and Guidelines>
When you are ready to submit your entry, go to the Entry Form>
Learning Resources on Pedestrian & Rail Safety
- TDS Rail Safety webpage
- Pedestrian Safety & Signs YouTube Video
- TDS Rail Safety Toolkit
- Union Pacific Cares website
- Operation Lifesavers website
- Federal Railroad Administration website