In 2023, more than 36 railway incidents resulted in nearly 12 fatalities and 11 injuries in Utah alone.
In a united effort to enhance public safety around railroad crossings, Utah Operation Lifesaver, the Utah Transit Authority, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Railway are teaming up to educate pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and riders throughout Utah Rail Safety Week.
Watch to learn more:
1. Look both ways
2. Don’t go around gates
3. Don’t be distracted
4. Don’t race to beat trains
5. Hold your child’s hand</br.
Rail Safety Week Activities
Utah Operation Lifesaver, Utah Railway, UDOT, Utah Highway Patrol, and UTA will be in the community this week to educate drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here’s the lineup:
Operation Clear the Track Tuesday — September 24
Utah Highway Patrol and UTA Police Department will be out from 7 to 8:30 a.m. enforcing safety to drivers and pedestrians at the following track crossings: Midvale Fort Union Station, Central Pointe Station, Ballpark, and Provo Central Station.
Welcome Wednesday — September 25
Utah Operation Lifesaver will be at the Provo City School District Transportation at 10 a.m. for a school bus media ride along across railroad tracks:1120 E. 1320 S., Provo, Utah.
UTA’s Safety and Security team will be at Layton City’s Fire Department for the from 5-8 p.m. handing out rail safety information and helping educate attendees about rail crossing safety. 530 N. 2200 W., Layton, Utah
Transit Thursday — September 26
UTA Police and its K9 unit will be stationed at Murray Central Station from 4-6 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to meet the dogs, ask questions and learn more about staying safe on UTA vehicles and property. Giveaway items will be distributed to participants as a token of appreciation.
Football Friday — September 27
Utah Operation Lifesaver will be distributing educational materials in time for the following high school football games to educate youth about the importance of crossing railroads safely:
- West Field High School
- Roy High School
- Clearfield High School
- West High School
- Murray High School
- Jordan High School
Social Safety Week — September 23-29
Staying safe near railroads is the responsibility of each one of us, and you can help spread the word!
Throughout the week, we’re asking you to share the safety rules you follow as you walk, ride your bike, or drive near tracks.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Safely take a picture at any railroad crossing or station.
- Post that picture on any of our social channels: Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Use the hashtag #RailSafetyWeek and tag @rideUTA.
UTA will be resharing your photos throughout the week. Together, we can create a safer community by sharing the message of rail safety with others.
Rail Safety Videos