Utah Rail Safety week will begin Sunday, September 12th! This is a statewide effort to educate drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and scooterists about the importance of railroad crossing safety.
Although rail crossing incidents and fatalities have been on the decline for decades, the number of drivers going around gates at railroad crossings has spiked in recent years. In 2018, 99 people were killed because a driver went around a lowered gate, marking a 10-year high. Overall in 2018, 270 people were killed at railroad crossings, contributing a five year total of 798 fatalities involving motor vehicles at railroad crossings.
These deaths are avoidable.
Many drivers do not yield to signs, lights, and crossing because they underestimate the risk — they think they can beat a train. They can’t. FrontRunner is running 55-75 miles per hour and can take up to one mile to stop. TRAX can also get up to 65 miles per hour in certain areas.
Follow these simple rules when driving near railroad tracks and trains.
1. Stop for flashing red lights
It is illegal to go around a lowered crossing gate, to ignore signs or flashing lights posted at a railroad crossing. Even after you have seen the train pass and the rails lift, you must wait until the red lights stop flashing. Proceeding through the crossing while the lights are still flashing red you are not only risking your life (and possible passenger’s) and a heavy fine.
2. Don’t race to beat the train
Never race a train. It is easy to misjudge a train’s speed and distance from the crossing. A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes
Even at slower speeds in city environments, a collision with TRAX can be fatal. Often drivers, overlook or ignore signage indicating the trains are proceeding through the intersection.
4. Don't stop on train tracks
Before entering a railroad crossing, check that there is enough room on the other side of the tracks for your vehicle to cross completely and safely. Be aware that you may need to cross multiple sets of tracks at some railroad crossings.
5. Don't drive around gates
They are there for a reason — to keep everyone safe. These active-signaling crossings help reduce incidents
6. Don't drive distracted
Trains are not forgiving, they cannot swerve, stop quickly or change direction. If you see rails, give your driving your full attention
UTA, in partnership with State of Utah, the Governor’s Office,