Rail Safety Information
According to the National Safety Council, every four hours someone is hit by a train.
Roadway-rail crossing fatalities involving motor vehicles totaled 168 in 2017, an increase of 7% over 2016. Pedestrian fatalities totaled 86 that year.
Since 2017, each of the 212,000 railroad crossings in the U.S. has been marked with a sign that clearly identifies the crossing, along with a number to call immediately if a vehicle or another hazard is found on the tracks.
Stay safe in and around grade crossings:
- Never try to beat a train; whether on foot or in a vehicle, stay off the tracks if the grade crossing lights are on and the gate is down
- Respect the train and tracks; only cross a track at a grade crossing
- If stuck on the tracks, find the blue sign identifying the crossing number and call the railroad so trains in the vicinity can be alerted as soon as possible
- Emergency Notification System Signs: Information for the Public - Video
Never try to beat a train - Video
For more information about rail safety, visit Nebraska Operation LifeSaver, an organization with a mission to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way.