! In 2003, 324 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions with trains at grade crossings and over 500 people died after being hit by trains.¹

! Currently, a train strikes someone nearly every three hours in the United States.²

! There are 1,081 rail crossings in the Baltimore region.

Most railroad crossing crashes can be avoidedEach year, hundreds of people around the country are injured or killed at railroad crossings. Yet, most of these crashes could have easily been avoided. Railroad safety is important for everyone – whether you ride a train, walk, or drive.

Fortunately, incidents at highway-rail intersections have declined significantly over the last decade. However, these numbers are still too high. According to 2002 statistics from Federal Highway Administration, incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States caused 311 deaths and 859 injuries.

Between 2002 and 2004, Maryland experienced zero deaths at highway-rail crossings; however, 27 deaths occurred over the same time period as a result of people trespassing and walking on railroad tracks.

Safety planning to prevent rail crashes
In an effort to prevent collisions, traffic control devices are required at rail crossings, just like intersecting roads need stop signs or traffic signals. At rail crossings, warning signs, crossbucks (the familiar x-shaped signs), pavement markings, and, in some locations, bells, gates, and flashing lights are all used to warn drivers and pedestrians of an oncoming train.

Unfortunately, these signs and lights aren’t enough. Drivers, pedestrians, and rail passengers all need to pay attention to warnings and practice rail safety.

Learn more…

Sources:
^{1 & 2} - American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials Freight Transportation Network

For more information:
Bala Akundi, bakundi@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1019.