Did you know that every three hours a vehicle or person is hit by a train in the U.S.? Annually, more than 2,300 people are injured or killed in railroad crossing or trespass incidents throughout North America. To bring awareness to these sobering statistics and promote safety around railroad tracks each September, See Tracks? Think Train Week (formerly known as Rail Safety Week) sheds light on this critical topic. The weeklong observance, from Sept. 23-29, 2024, concentrates on rail safety education by focusing on making safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains. The goal will be to prevent the occurrence of railroad crossing and trespass incidents across North America by concentrating public attention on the need for rail safety education.

Jana Davidson

Program Manager / Progressive Agriculture Foundation

Email Jana Davidson

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) is a nonprofit organization nationally recognized as a leader in rail safety education and is the driving force behind See Tracks? Think Train Week. OLI offers these 10 essential railroad track safety basics for both drivers and pedestrians to observe.

1. Always expect a train. Freight trains don't travel at fixed times and passenger train schedules often change.
2. Never walk on tracks; it's illegal trespass and highly dangerous. Remember, all train tracks are private property.
3. Trains cannot stop quickly. It takes the average freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile – the length of 18 football fields – to stop.
4. Trains are larger than you may think. The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; it can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car.
5. Trains have the right of way. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over pedestrians and vehicles, including police and emergency vehicles.
6. Trains overhang tracks, so stay at least 15 feet back from the tracks. Always assume railroad tracks are in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks unused.
7. Trains can move on any track, in either direction, at any time. Sometimes its cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
8. Trains are quieter and moving faster than you think – only trains belong on the tracks. Trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale "clackety-clack."
9. Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey warning signs and signals posted there.
10. Stay alert around railroad tracks. Avoid texting, using headphones or other distractions that could prevent you from hearing an approaching train. Never mix rails and recreation.

Know the warning signs

While some may think incidents occur in areas that lack warning signs and visibility, more than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and gates. Current Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data shows that highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities. Here are some additional safety precautions to consider when approaching railroad tracks.

1. Recognize and obey railroad signs, lights and signals.
2. Always look both ways. Multiple tracks can often mean multiple trains.
3. Be sure to listen for whistles, horns and bells. However, know that not all trains sound their horns.
4. No photo is worth your life. Before snapping a selfie or a senior photo shoot on the tracks, always remember the risk. Never put yourself or others in harm's way.
5. Take your time. Never rush or hurry to try to beat an approaching train over the tracks. It's more important to arrive at your destination alive than on time.
6. If you witness an incident on or near the tracks or notice any activity placing someone at risk, immediately call 911.

The good news is that collisions are on the decline. Statistics indicate that from 1972, when 12,000 collisions were reported, to 2023, when only 2,190 collisions happened, an 82% decline has occurred over the past 50 years. However, until the number approaches zero, there will always be a need to continue railroad safety education.

Protecting our future generation

In collaboration with Operation Lifesaver Inc., railroad safety curriculum was added to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation's (PAF) resource library of more than 30 safety and health lessons in 2015. In 2023, nearly 6,000 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PAF Safety Day) participants throughout North America received education on railroad safety. Through various hands-on activities and demonstrations, participants were taught about the meaning of railroad warning signs, identified safe and unsafe behaviors around railroad property and equipment, and learned the relative size, weight and stopping distance of trains to other vehicles. Showcasing their commitment to safety and their support of PAF's mission, CN Railway and Norfolk Southern are investing in youth safety education as funding partners of the PAF Safety Day program.

PAF Safety Day is recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. After participants learn potentially life-saving messages, they return home to share the knowledge they gained with their family and friends. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of participants and volunteers.

You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training and resources to make farm, ranch and rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities. Visit the Progressive Agriculture Foundation website for more information and click on “Get Involved” to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.