AAR Statement on International Level Crossing Awareness Day 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 10, 2021 – AAR joined the global rail community to mark the 13^th Annual International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), which aims to increase international awareness about the dangers surrounding level crossings, also known as grade crossings. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 95% of all rail-related deaths are preventable – involving a driver going around warning devices or a person walking on the tracks.

“Together, we can prevent tragedies on the tracks,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “As railroads continue to improve the safety of grade crossings, initiatives like International Level Crossings Awareness Day are vital to ensuring the public knows how to stay safe near the tracks. Every time you see railroad tracks, stop, look and listen.”

This year’s ILCAD focuses on the role distraction – particularly from mobile devices – can play in grade crossing and pedestrian incidents. Recognizing this persistent challenge, Operation Lifesaver (OLI) has launched “Near Miss” and new driver distraction campaigns aimed at increasing awareness among young people about the importance of avoiding distractions near railroad track.

The ILCAD Campaign was established in 2009 by the international railroad community in conjunction with various highway organizations, the European Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), to raise awareness among road users and pedestrians of the risks at grade crossings.

For more information on International Level Crossing Awareness Day, please go to www.ilcad.org. For more information about staying safe near the tracks, please visit AAR’s passenger and driver safety page.

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.