SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 18, 2026) — The Utah Transit Authority, Utah Operation Lifesaver, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Railway are joining forces in a united effort to enhance public safety around railroad crossings. Utah Rail Safety Week promotes public safety around railroad crossings and educates pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit riders across the state.
Utah Rail Safety Week begins Saturday, Sept. 19, and continues through Sept. 25 with activities and content designed to reduce rail-related accidents by raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe behavior near tracks.
This year’s Utah Rail Safety Week is oriented around a simple message: Every Sign Tells a Story. Rail safety signs aren’t just symbols; they are lifesavers. Whether you are behind the wheel, on a bike or walking near tracks, each sign is designed to keep you safe.
“UTA and our community partners are committed to raising awareness and reducing the number of preventable railway incidents,” said Travis King, director of safety and security at UTA. “Too often we see moments of carelessness around rail crossings or tracks. The purpose of Utah Rail Safety Week is to remind the public that staying aware, following posted signs and signals, and exercising caution could save your life.”
Utah Rail Safety Week activities include:
All Aboard — Saturday, Sept. 19: Climb aboard and enjoy a ride with the Utah Live Steamers as we kick off Rail Safety Week and highlight the importance of rail safety in our communities. This family-friendly event is free to attend and perfect for train lovers of all ages.
- Location: Shay Park — 516 West Aspen Hills Boulevard, Saratoga Springs
- 9 a.m. to noon
Safe Driving Education — Monday, Sept. 21: Utah Rail Safety Week begins with a social media focus on safe driving around railroad tracks and crossings. No matter how you travel, pay attention to railroad signs and signals, stay alert near crossings, and never try to beat a train.
Operation Clear Track — Tuesday, Sept. 22: Law enforcement and rail safety partners will be at railroad crossings throughout Utah as part of Operation Clear Track, a nationwide effort focused on preventing unsafe behavior near railroad tracks and crossings.
Outreach and enforcement activities are planned at:
- 500 West in Provo
- Ballpark Station in Salt lake City
- Center Street in North Salt Lake
- Central Pointe Station in South Salt Lake
- Freedom Boulevard in Provo
Trespass Prevention — Wednesday, Sept. 23: Wednesday focuses on preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks and connecting people with resources that can help keep our communities safe. Railroad tracks and the surrounding right-of-way are not safe places to walk, gather or take shortcuts. Trains can approach faster and more quietly than expected, and they cannot stop quickly or swerve to avoid someone on the tracks. Throughout the day, UTA and our partners will share information and resources focused on trespass prevention, mental health and recognizing situations where someone may need help.
Transit Thursday — Sept. 24: Come celebrate Utah Rail Safety Week with UTA at Salt Lake Central Station from 4 to 6 p.m.
Riders and community members can stop by for fun, interactive ways to learn more about staying safe around trains, tracks, and crossings. Test your rail safety knowledge with trivia, take a photo with life-size safety sign characters, meet UTA’s K9 officer and Daphne the therapy dog, and connect with UTA staff and our rail safety partners. Stickers and prizes will also be available while supplies last.
Football Friday — Sept. 25: Utah Operation Lifesaver will bring rail safety education into local communities on Football Friday, sharing safety information with students, families, and fans at high school football games across Utah.
Educational materials will be distributed at:
- Bountiful High School in Bountiful
- Stansbury High School in Stansbury Park
- Woods Cross High School in Woods Cross
- Juab High School in Nephi
- Provo High School in Provo
“Utah Rail Safety Week is an important opportunity to remind everyone that safety around railroad tracks and crossings starts with awareness,” said Vern Keeslar, executive director of Utah Operation Lifesaver. “Whether you’re driving, biking or using a micromobility device, always obey crossing signs and warning devices, stay alert and never try to beat a train. Trains have the right of way, and taking a few extra moments to stop and wait can prevent a tragedy.”
Utah Operation Lifesaver is a statewide, non-profit public awareness and education program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad property. Utah Operation Lifesaver authorized volunteers are available, free of charge, to provide important safety information to professional truck and bus drivers, school bus drivers, drivers education classes, elementary school students, law enforcement and emergency responders, and other civic organizations.
“UDOT is proud to partner with UTA, Utah Operation Lifesaver and the Utah Department of Public Safety to promote rail safety and help prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities,” said Brad Palmer, rail division director at the Utah Department of Transportation. “Keeping our communities safe around trains and rail crossings is a shared responsibility. We urge everyone to stay alert, obey traffic laws and never take unnecessary risks around railroad tracks and crossings. A few extra seconds of caution can make a life-saving difference.”
For more information about Utah Rail Safety Week and the scheduled activities, please visit the Rail Safety Week Page or follow UTA on Facebook and Instagram. Please view and share the following videos as we strive to improve safety and rail awareness.
Rail Safety Week 2026 Media Assets – password: View
###