See Tracks, Think Train Week Marks 10 Years of Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 21, 2026 - See Tracks, Think Train Week , September 21-27, aims to improve public safety by highlighting how pedestrians and drivers can stay safe around railroad tracks. Despite millions of dollars in annual investment in public education, 95% of all rail-related fatalities still involve people unsafely interacting with tracks according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), underscoring the need to further educate communities on the ways in which to reduce these preventable tragedies.

"More than 2,300 people are injured or killed annually in railroad crossing and trespass incidents across North America," said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. "The 10th anniversary of See Tracks, Think Train Week is an opportunity for both the rail industry and communities to pause, reflect, and recommit to the shared goal of saving lives by stopping track tragedies. It's also a call to action to every American, urging us all to recognize and avoid dangerous behavior near train tracks. While railroads' continued investment has helped reduce crossing collisions by more than 25% since 2000, there is more work to do, and each of us has a role to play."

Vigilance and adherence to a core set of proven guidelines can lead to a safer environment around railways. To ensure your safety and that of your loved ones, always follow these six essential rail safety tips:

• Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all signs and signals .
• Never try to beat a train.
• Trains are quieter and faster than you think.
• Recognize it can take a mile or more to stop a train because of its size and weight.
• Always expect a train as they can run on any track at any time in either direction.
• Be aware that trains can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail, so maintain a safe distance from the platform or track's edge.
• Remember that rail property is private property, and walking on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.

This week, Operation Lifesaver - the nation's leader in rail safety education - will be hosting programming and events across the nation to help the public make smart decisions near trains and tracks.

For information on the "See Tracks? Think Train" campaign, please visit: See Tracks? Think Train® Week | Operation Lifesaver

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