During the week of Sept. 23, transit agencies and state departments of transportation (DOT’s) participated in See Tracks? Think Train® Week. Formerly known as Rail Safety Week in the U.S., Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) launched the campaign in 2017 to focus attention on the importance of making safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains.
Florida DOT (FDOT)
In Florida, FDOT recently created a coalition solely focused on addressing rail-related concerns. The Florida Rail Safety Coalition (FRSC) brings together rail industry partners to develop strategic solutions in infrastructure enhancements, innovative technology and behavioral science research to reduce the likelihood of rail collisions and related fatalities and serious injuries across the state.
According to FDOT, preliminary data shows that 49 people in Florida lost their lives in rail-related incidents in 2023, all attributed to either trespassing or crossing collisions, and nearly 80 others were injured.
“For decades, Florida has served as a national leader in the implementation of innovative rail safety initiatives and the establishment of the FRSC is yet another example of how we’re leading the way towards a safer transportation future,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “As the coalition works together to deliver solutions focused on preventing tragedies on our rail network, we urge all Floridians to play their part by understanding the life-changing consequences of unsafe behaviors around trains and tracks. Together, we can get everyone home safely.”
The FRSC is currently comprised of subject matter experts, FDOT team members from the department’s Central Office Safety, Design, Transit and Freight and Rail Offices, representatives from each of FDOT’s districts across the state, freight rail organizations (Class I, II and Shortline,) passenger rail organizations and rail advocacy groups who all share a passion for rail safety. The coalition will also expand to include representatives from law enforcement, state rail inspectors, universities and local communities in the future.
FDOT says the FRSC members are working to develop rail-safety solutions rooted in four main focus areas:
- At-grade crossing safety
- Trespassing prevention
- Standards and technology
- Partnerships
In addition to the creation of the FRSC, FDOT has continued enhancing the safety of rail crossings on the state highway system with investments totaling over $178 million over the past decade. The investments have resulted in the installation of important countermeasures on state facilities such as increased signage and pavement markings, smart sensors and detection technology, anti-trespass panels and dynamic envelopes.
Through FDOT’s Railway-Highway Crossings Program, countermeasures installed at 818 project locations around the state have reduced collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians by nearly 50 percent, fatal incidents by nearly 70 percent and serious injury incidents by nearly 55 percent over the past decade. According to FDOT, crossing collisions and pedestrian trespassing on tracks attributed to 94 percent of railroad fatalities in Florida in 2023.
Agencies engage with communities through various activities throughout See Tracks? Think Train® Week
Some of the initiatives transit agencies have taken during See Tracks? Think Train® Week are:
- The Amtrak Police Department and OLI teamed up for Operation Clear Track to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws across the U.S.
- WeGo Transit partnered with The Tennessee Central Railway Museum, as the museum brought a special train car featuring the Safety Caboose to Riverfront Station in downtown Nashville, Tenn., on September 23. Museum volunteers were on-site to talk to visitors about rail safety and a television showed OLI videos.
- Metro Transit in Minneapolis, Minn., and public safety partners on Sept. 25 connected with riders at the METRO Green Line's East Bank Station and other light-rail stations. As part of See Tracks? Think Train® Week, Metro Transit is launching a public awareness campaign focused on rail safety, including new billboards along University Avenue, decals at 69 rail crossings, digital signage and platform announcements.
- Denver Regional Transportation District and Denver Transit Operators teams visited stations throughout the system to educate customers and community members about track safety.
Agencies throughout the U.S. highlight their commitment to rail safety
Many transit agencies have pledged their commitment to improve rail safety during See Tracks? Think Train® Week.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Throughout the month of September, the MBTA has been promoting rail safety and OLI messaging via social media posts, displays on in-station digital panels and signage onboard subways and commuter rail trains. With a continued commitment to employee safety, rail safety messaging will also be shared through safety briefings and materials given to MBTA and Keolis staff promoting the importance of situational awareness, adhering to rules of the rights of way, hazard identification the MBTA Safety Hotline and the employee injury and assault reporting processes.
The MBTA Safety Division, Keolis and Amtrak say they have significantly increased the numbers of employees trained in the OLI program to further spread safety messaging through presentations to schools, civic groups, driver education programs, school bus companies, professional driving schools, trucking companies and first responders.
“The goal of Operation Lifesaver is to educate and raise awareness among the general public to ensure there is a clear understanding of the dangers on or near tracks, trains and rail property,” said MBTA Transit Police Officer and State Coordinator for Massachusetts OLI Dana DeLorenzo. “The program runs throughout the year with our efforts highlighted during ‘See Tracks, Think Train’ Week. It is my sincere hope that our efforts can help in drastically reducing the number of individuals, families and employees affected by rail tragedies both here in Massachusetts and throughout the country through this awareness and education campaign. Our mission over the past year was to bring this program to as many people as possible, particularly in areas affected by the South Coast Rail Expansion. We had great success and look forward to continuing to bring this message to the public as far and wide as we are able.”
“Safety should be everyone’s top priority and Operation Lifesaver is our way at the MBTA of reminding all. We can break it down to the three Es – education, engineering and enforcement – all are critical when we seek out ways to keep the public safe around the tracks and railway crossings within our communities. We recently engineered and implemented upgrades to all 264 of our commuter rail grade crossings – lane lines across crossings, reflective pavement markers, reflectorized delineators and LED lights – that have seen a 44 percent reduction in right of way obstructions, including motor vehicles encroaching on the tracks when compared to the year prior,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Educational efforts that are taking place this week allow us to have direct communication with the community and are invaluable particularly as we engage with today’s youth."
Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
During a press conference on Sept. 23, CTDOT was joined by OLI, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), local and state law enforcement and rail safety partners at the Berlin Train Station along the Hartford Line. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont also issued a special statement proclaiming Sept. 23 through Sept. 29, 2024, as See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024 in Connecticut.
“Railroad safety is crucial as Connecticut’s extensive rail network has hundreds of active crossings. We remind the public that the road is closed when the red lights are on and the gates are down. Drivers and pedestrians should stop and wait for the train to pass and should never try to cross or outrun a train,” said CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “We are bringing rail safety to the forefront and preventing track tragedies thanks to our continued partnership with Operation Lifesaver and with our dedicated CTDOT staff. Thank you to members of law enforcement, our elected officials and rail partners for helping us raise awareness during See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024.”
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Throughout See Tracks? Think Train® Week, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Corporate Safety, along with the MTA Police Department (PD) had people at five different stations. MTA’s Metro-North Railroad Corporate Safety, along with MTA PD, hosted informational sessions about suicide prevention on Sept. 23.
“Safety is a core value at the Long Island Rail Road,” said LIRR President Rob Free. “The LIRR participates in events like these with MTA PD to reinforce our commitment to keeping our customers, our employees and the communities we serve safe.”
“There is no higher priority on Metro-North Railroad than the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities that we serve,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. “Being part of these events further demonstrates the commitment of our staff and our colleagues at MTA PD to educate riders and the public about safe practices on or near the railroad.”
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
SEPTA supported See Tracks? Think Train® Week by reminding riders about the importance of being alert. The agency notes trains have the right of way 100 percent of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians. At one million pounds – it takes a considerable distance for a train to come to a complete stop even when traveling at a moderate speed.
SEPTA notes today’s trains aren’t loud. Electric vehicles and welded rails mean trains no longer make a clickety-clack noise. Approaching trains can also be quiet when there is snow on the ground or the weather is damp. The agency is imploring riders to take out any listening device out of their ears when they are near train tracks and to listen carefully.
TriMet
TriMet gave out six steps to its riders to avoid being struck by a train:
- Ditch the distractions: Look up from your phone when walking through station areas or crossing the tracks. If you are listening to something with headphones, remove an earbud or lower the volume so you can hear the train’s horn.
- Stay in your lane: Don’t linger on the tracks when walking, biking or driving. Stick to designated crossings and intersections. At stations, make sure you’re well behind the white bumpy safety strips and never walk along the tracks.
- Stay alert: Treat the tracks like an active intersection. Always look both ways and don’t forget that trains can come from either direction. Keep your eyes peeled for the possibility of a second train as you make your way across.
- Make yourself seen: As daylight fades, amp up your visibility. Wear bright or reflective clothing or consider bringing a light with you. If you’re driving, always use your headlights and take your time, especially when you’re in areas where trains share the road with autos and visibility is low.
- Slow down: A missed train is not worth the risk. Running across tracks or through station areas can be dangerous, especially if you trip and fall.
- Clear your view: Hooded jackets or hoodies are practically required clothing in Portland, Ore., but they can also obscure your vision. Make sure you move them out of your view when you’re walking around or over tracks. The same goes for umbrellas. If you’re driving, ensure your mirrors are positioned correctly and your windshield wipers are working.
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit)
NJ Transit supported the week with safety blitzes at select stations where NJ Transit safety employees interact with customers to remind them of safe procedures, as well as systemwide social media messaging reminding customers of critical safety tips. Throughout the statewide rail system, which includes more than 500 miles of track and 366 public grade crossings, NJ Transit has deployed and maintains various safety mechanisms, including right of way fencing, variable message signs, warning signs and bi-lingual “no trespassing” signs.
“Our participation in 'See Tracks? Think Train' Week is part of our ongoing commitment to educating the public about rail safety,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “We encourage everyone to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions around railroad tracks to prevent accidents and save lives.”
