News

Aug 31, 2023

Seventh

The week of Sept. 18 marks the seventh annual Rail Safety Week across Montana and North America to raise awareness of rail safety. Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the

The week of Sept. 18 marks the seventh annual Rail Safety Week across Montana and North America to raise awareness of rail safety.

Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. Each year, more than 2,100 people in North America are injured or killed in train incidents. Crossing tracks and trespassing on private property are two of the most common occurrences. Rail Safety Week aims to educate people on effectively using highway-rail grade crossings and what to do when near train tracks. Rail Safety Week will use different themes and events, Monday through Sunday, to teach rail crossing best practices.

John Althof, president of Montana Operation Lifesaver, said Rail Safety Week aims to educate about rail safety, creating awareness about the potential dangers railways can present to pedestrians and drivers.

“People need to know that railroad property is private property, so stay away, stay off and stay safe,” Althof said.

A new aspect of this year’s rail-safety week — one that increases knowledge and awareness — is an online pledge, through the Operation Lifesaver website, that reinforces the safe and smart choices that can maintain rail safety.

Measures like the pledge are key to Operation Lifesaver’s work, which has contributed to an 82% decrease in collisions between trains and vehicles since 1972.

"We want everyone to make it home safely,” Althof said. “When you approach a rail crossing or railway property, it’s important to look, listen and live.”

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