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SOUTH SALT LAKE — State safety organizations are coming together this week to increase enforcement at tracks crossings.
The goal is to educate pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and riders as part of the 2024 Rail Safety Week.
Officials say when it comes to you and a train, even if it is just a few seconds, do not chance it because the train will always win.
"There's gate arms. There's flashing lights. There's walkway things," said Utah Transit Authority Police Capt. Jason Petersen.
Even that is not enough when we are distracted.
"We see a lot of distracted people. Their nose in their phone. They're walking, oblivious to their surroundings," Petersen said, who has been on the job for nearly 25 years.
On top of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Petersen said this is a busy time of year.
"It's a crowded time of the season with all the events going on downtown. Christmas is on the approach. There's football games. Students are back in school," he said.
Tuesday's Operation Clear the Track, which is part of the week's Rail Safety Week, is to remind everyone to do just that.
Some TRAX fatalities since 2022 include a driver running a red light and getting hit by a train, according to UTA.
In another instance, a bicyclist, who went around the activated gates, crossed in front of one train but was struck by a second train they could not see because of a blocked view.
The best reminder, whether running late or zoned out: "When red lights are flashing, the grade crossing's active, and it's dangerous," Petersen said.
In 2023, there were roughly 36 railway incidents, some of which resulted in injuries and fatalities. The goal through this week is to keep that number down.
