WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 20, 2021 – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) joins the rail safety community across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to mark Rail Safety Week, September 20-26, and advance public awareness on staying safe near railroad tracks. More than ninety-five percent of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a grade crossing or a person on the tracks according to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data. Overwhelmingly, these tragedies remain preventable.
“Every three hours in this country, a person or vehicle is struck by a train,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “It remains clear that we have far more work to do to prevent track tragedies. Rail Safety Week is a time when we all join forces to educate the public on staying safe near the tracks. Together, we can save lives.”
Rail Safety Week aims to save lives by educating and empowering the public to stay safe around railroad tracks. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by following these top six rail safety tips:
- Look and listen for trains as you approach any railroad crossing — obey all signs, warning lights and gates.
- Trains are quieter and faster than you think — never try to beat a train.
- Because of their size and weight, it can take a mile or more to stop a train.
- Always expect a train on any track, in any direction; avoid distractions when you approach a crossing.
- Trains can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail. Stay safe and always stand well clear of platform or track’s edge.
- Rail property is private property. Walking on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.
All week, Operation Lifesaver — the nation’s leader in rail safety education — will be hosting programming and events across the nation to help the public make smart decisions near trains and tracks. For information on the “See Tracks? Think Train!” campaign, please visit http://seetracksthinktrain.org/.
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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.