Stop Track Tragedies: Rail Safety Week
It’s once again September, an important time to focus on public safety as kids head back to school and more drivers crowd the roads post summer-vacation. This week marks U.S. Rail Safety Week (Sept. 20-26), a national event to raise awareness about safety near railroad tracks. It’s led by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) in partnership with railroads, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and state and local law enforcement and safety organizations.
Louisiana boasts over 2,900 miles of railroad tracks. These lines are important economic corridors, connecting businesses and producers across the state to consumers across the U.S. and beyond. As you read this, freight railroads are working to help manufacturers gear up for the holiday season.
But the flip side of rail’s productivity and efficiency is that railroad tracks can be dangerous for trespassers, distracted drivers, cyclists and others who don’t fully grasp the stakes. Indeed, 95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a crossing or a person on the tracks, with a person or vehicle being hit about every three hours in the U.S.
When these tragedies occur, lives are changed forever—for the people involved in the crash, their family, friends and community, and the train crew members. Unfortunately, Louisiana ranks 8th in the nation for road-rail collisions. Across the nation last year there were over 1,900 collisions and 198 fatalities.
The good news is that public education is powerful, especially when combined with efforts to improve grade crossing safety. Collisions are down 84% since 1972 when OLI began its work. Freight railroads also collaborate with local authorities across Louisiana to improve grade crossings, as well as partnering with groups like the National Association of County Officials and the National League of Cities to support their efforts on rail safety.
At the federal level, railroads advocate for dedicated funding through the Section 130 program to eliminate hazards at crossings. The Senate-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—supported by freight railroads—also includes nearly $845 million per year for highway-rail grade crossing safety and improvement projects.
Do your part to stop track tragedies by learning and sharing these tips:
1. Never try to beat a train. Any approaching train is always closer and moving faster than you think.
2. Always expect a train. Freight trains don't travel at fixed times and passenger schedules change.
3. Look and listen for trains as you approach a crossing. Obey all signs, warning lights and gates.
4. Trains cannot stop quickly. It can take a mile or more to stop a train.
Human behavior is ultimately the biggest obstacle to safety at grade crossings, but together we can raise awareness in Louisiana. Won’t you join us in our goal to stop track tragedies?