Norfolk Southern joins Operation Lifesaver’s 'See Tracks? Think Train Week' from September 23-29 to raise rail safety awareness and highlight the importance of making safe decisions around railroad tracks and trains.  

Every year, more than 2,300 people in North America are injured or killed in railroad crossing and trespassing incidents. While the number of highway-rail crossing collisions, deaths, and injuries has decreased over the past five decades, every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. These incidents are preventable.  

‘See Tracks? Think Train Week’ (also known as Rail Safety Week) emphasizes the public’s critical role in preventing these tragedies.  

“Rail is the safest way to transport goods across land, and safety around the tracks is everyone’s responsibility. Through Operation Lifesaver’s ‘See Tracks? Think Train Week,’ we help raise awareness about the simple actions that can prevent accidents and save lives,” said John Fleps, VP Safety. “Every day, trains pass through our communities. By staying well-clear of railroad tracks, remaining alert, and making safe choices at railroad grade crossings, the public has tremendous power to prevent an accident involving a driver or pedestrian from occurring.”

Train tracks are designed for trains and present serious dangers to pedestrians and vehicles. Trespasser incidents and grade-crossing collisions remain the most common causes of rail-related fatalities. Alarmingly, over 60% of these collisions occur at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates.  

5 lifesaving rail safety tips 

To stay safe around tracks, NS offers five important tips:  

• Stay alert. If you see tracks, think train. Trains are often faster and quieter than expected, so never assume the tracks are clear.  

• Stop, look, and listen. Always stop before a railroad crossing, look down at the tracks in both directions, and listen for approaching trains. Follow all crossing signals and only proceed when it’s safe.  

• Stay off the tracks. Train tracks are for trains, not pedestrians. Only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. 

• Don’t get complacent. Just because a train wasn’t there yesterday doesn’t mean one won’t be there today. Always be cautious around tracks.  

• Report unsafe situations. If you see something unusual or dangerous near tracks, report it. Each crossing has an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign with contact information. In an emergency, call 911. 

At NS, everything starts with safety. Every day, we work to ensure our operations, infrastructure, and partnerships all contribute to a safer railroad. We invest year-round in infrastructure improvements to protect the communities across our 22-state network. We also train over 5,000 first responders each year, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to handle rail-related incidents.  

Visit Operation Lifesaver to learn more about See Tracks? Think Train Week.