SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 23, 2024) — According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in 2023, more than 36 railway incidents resulted in nearly 12 fatalities and 11 injuries in Utah alone. In a united effort to enhance public safety around railroad crossings, Utah Operation Lifesaver, the Utah Transit Authority, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Railway are teaming up to educate pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and riders throughout Utah Rail Safety Week.
“UTA’s number one priority is the safety of our riders, operators and people on the road — including drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians,” said UTA Board of Trustee member, Jeff Acerson. “Partnering with organizations dedicated to rail safety is crucial to raising awareness and reducing the number of preventable incidents.”
Utah Rail Safety Week begins today, Sept. 23, and continues through Sept. 29 with activities designed to reduce rail-related accidents by raising awareness among pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers about the dangers of unsafe behavior near tracks.
"Utah Operation Lifesaver encourages safe driving at railroad crossings by obeying all signs, lights and gates,” said Vern Keeslar, executive director of Utah Operation Lifesaver. “It’s important to remember that trains cannot turn or swerve, and they do not stop quickly — it takes more than a mile to stop a train traveling at 55 mph."
Rail Safety Week activities include:
Operation Clear the Track Tuesday: From 7-8:30 a.m., Utah Highway Patrol and UTA Police Department will increase enforcement at the following tracks crossings: Midvale Fort Union Station, Central Pointe Station, Ballpark and Provo Central Station.
“The Utah Highway Patrol urges drivers to be aware of railroad crossings and pay strict attention to all warning signs and lights,” said Captain H. Scott Robertson, Department of Public Safety for Utah Highway Patrol South Central Bureau. “Please be alert as you approach any crossing and obey any active warning devices you see or hear.”
Welcome Wednesday: Utah Operation Lifesaver will be at the Provo City School District Transportation at 10 a.m. for a school bus media ride along across railroad tracks: 1120 E. 1320 S., Provo, Utah. Contact Vern Keeslar for details.
UTA’s Safety and Security team will be at Layton City’s Fire Department for the Safety Fair from 5-8 p.m., distributing rail safety information and educating attendees about rail crossing safety. 530 N. 2200 W., Layton, Utah.
Transit Thursday: UTA Police and its K9 unit will be stationed at Murray Central Station from 4-6 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to meet the dogs, ask questions and learn more about staying safe on UTA vehicles and property. Giveaway items will be distributed to participants as a token of appreciation.
Football Friday: Utah Operation Lifesaver will be distributing educational materials in time for the following high school football games to educate youth about the importance of crossing railroads safely: West Field High School, Roy High School, Clearfield High School, West High School, Murray High School, Jordan High School.
“UDOT has a long history of partnership with UTA, Utah Operation Lifesaver and the Department of Public Safety, and we appreciate all the efforts they contribute to meeting UDOT’s goal of Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities,” said Brad Palmer, rail division director at Utah Department of Transportation. “Despite our collective best efforts, we need the help of the public to keep everyone safe. We ask that everyone please obey all traffic laws and be cautious and alert around trains and highway-rail grade crossings.”
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.
For more information about Utah Rail Safety Week and the scheduled activities, please visit rideuta.com/safety or follow UTA on Twitter and Instagram. Please view and share the following videos as we strive to improve safety and rail awareness.
- Utah Rail Safety Week: Look Both Ways
https://youtu.be/5IWAkHPBp0g - Utah Rail Safety Week: Don't Go Around Gates
https://youtu.be/AabX4-RQJRI - Utah Rail Safety Week: Don't Race to Beat Trains
https://youtu.be/veMThVCI6JU - Utah Rail Safety Week: Don't Be Distracted
https://youtu.be/WrPJtMQIwSw - Utah Rail Safety Week: Hold Your Childs Hand
https://youtu.be/QepEuljQQJg