WI Operation Lifesaver Releases 2016 Rail Crossing Statistics

Collisions at highway-rail grade crossings collisions in Wisconsin rose, by 8 percent in 2016 and rail trespass casualties (deaths plus injuries) rose 9 percent according to the nonprofit rail safety education organization Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver. The group cited preliminary 2016 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) statistics.

“We are concerned with this increase in highway-rail grade crossing collisions,” said Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Susie Klinger. “We will continue our work giving people across WI important information on how to keep themselves, their friends and their family’s safe near tracks and trains."

Nationally, vehicle-train collisions at highway-rail grade crossings fell 2.4 percent in 2016; however, the number of people killed in crossing incidents rose 13.7 percent last year. Deaths in 2016 from train track trespassing increased 12.8 percent, and trespass injuries jumped 16.4 percent; total trespass-related casualties (deaths plus injuries) increased 14.5 percent from 2015 levels, Susie Klinger said.

Overall, Wisconsin crossing collisions were up, 8 percent in 2016 from 2015,

“This year, Wisconsin will participate in U.S. Rail Safety Week, September 24-30,” Klinger continued. "We look forward to working with our safety partners to raise awareness among WI residents of the need to always use caution near crossings and refrain from trespassing on the tracks.” she concluded.

Preliminary Rail Crossing and Trespass Statistics, 2016 vs. 2015

Source: FRA Office of Safety Analysis