ILCAD aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the road/rail interfaces known as level crossings or grade crossings. International Level Crossing Awareness Day is a joint global commitment to raise public awareness on the dangers of misbehavior at level crossings. The first European Level Crossing Awareness Day was held on June 25th, 2009 with participation in 28 countries, and has since expanded with participation in over 40 countries worldwide. ILCAD, led by the International Union of Railways (UIC), brings together railway industry representatives, road authorities, academics and more from around the world.
Metro-North began participating in ILCAD in 2016, with the inception of the TRACKS Program. Each year, MNR representatives, in partnership with Operation Lifesaver, MTA Police Department, CT Department of Transportation, and the Federal Railroad Administration, conduct grade crossing safety outreach at Metro-North crossings throughout CT and NY. The MNR teams hand out grade crossing safety brochures and material to drivers at the crossings during the busier commuting hours. From 2016-2019, Metro-North has reached over 12,000 individuals from ILCAD efforts and outreach.