Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Transit Authority is giving a wake-up call regarding safety around railroads, showcasing some terrifying, extremely close calls.
Vern Keeslar, state coordinator with Utah Operation Lifesaver, said multiple organizations will join forces for activities all week long.
"We need to be a bit more dramatic. We need to show the impact that it has. It affects families, communities, schools, entire neighborhoods," Keeslar said.
More than 5,000 accidents happen yearly near railroad crossings, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"We have been successful in bringing down rail collisions by 82% over the last 50 years. The last 10 years, we have seen an increase of these incidents occurring," Keeslar said.
All week long we're sharing helpful reminders during #RailSafetyWeek.
— Utah Transit Authority - UTA (@RideUTA) September 18, 2023
Don't race to beat trains. (You won't win.)
For more on Rail Safety Week, see https://t.co/T9pxEXihf1. #STOPTrackTragedies
w. @UtahDOT @operationlifesaverutah @utahhighwaypatrol @tooeletechpic.twitter.com/sCD3BYpLiP
He said each year, there are nearly 600 deaths and 2,300 injuries from accidents near railroads.
"We even have more warning devices than ever before, and yet people are either complacent or distracted driving," Keeslar said.
However, time and time again, law enforcement sees people failing to pay attention to the signs and signals at railroad crossings.
"Pedestrians trespassing on railroad property, disregarding crossing signals or parking too close to railroads. Disregard for these violations can have consequences and end in tragedy," said Sgt. Cameron Roden, with Utah Highway Patrol.
Roden said to avoid tragedies, Rail Safety Week encourages people walking, biking or driving to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.
"We need your help when it comes to rail safety. We can't do this alone. We can't enforce our way out of this," Roden said.
