COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC), Ohio Department of Transportation, and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) are joining forces for “See Tracks, Think Train® Week,” running from September 23-27. This initiative aims to remind Ohioans about the importance of rail crossing safety.

In the United States, a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours. Such collisions are often more severe than other types of accidents, frequently resulting in serious injury or death.

“It’s up to all of us to make safe choices when walking or driving near railroad tracks and trains,” said PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Crossing legally and carefully can prevent tragic collisions.”

Scott Corbitt, Chair of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, emphasized the significance of the week: “See Tracks, Think Train® Week is an excellent opportunity to remind all Ohioans to stay safe at highway-rail grade crossings. Together with our state partners, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, as well as Operation Lifesaver, we encourage the traveling public to be alert when approaching tracks. Highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for more than 95 percent of all railroad fatalities. Always expect a train.”

Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks added, “For years we have worked with our transportation partners and communities around the state to promote the importance of rail safety. It’s our job to educate all transportation users so they can make safe decisions around rail grade crossings and tracks.”

The PUCO and ORDC recommend the following safety tips:

• Always expect a train. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction, and do not run on schedules.
• Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal. This includes photo shoots!
• The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.
• Avoid getting stuck. Before crossing in a vehicle, ensure there is space on the other side to completely clear the tracks.
• Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates. Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised.
• Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
• Stay off railroad bridges and trestles. Stay out of railroad tunnels. There is ONLY ROOM for the train.
• Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. Trains, tracks, and railroad yards are NOT playgrounds. Never climb on, under, or through railroad cars. Never jump on or off a train while it’s moving.

With 36 freight railroads operating approximately 5,000 miles of track and over 5,600 public grade crossings, Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for goods transported by rail. The PUCO, in conjunction with the Ohio Rail Development Commission, is responsible for ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians at highway-rail grade crossings in Ohio. PUCO rail inspectors inspect the warning devices that are essential for everyone’s safety.

In 2023, there were 77 train-vehicle collisions at public railroad crossings in Ohio, including five fatalities. More information about rail crossing crashes and safety is available in the PUCO’s 2023 Rail Statistics Report.

The Ohio Rail Hotline, at (866) 814-RAIL (7245), provides Ohioans with a toll-free resource for all railroad crossing questions. For more information on rail crossing safety, visit PUCO.ohio.gov.

The ORDC assists Ohio companies and communities in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers.