Rail Safety

Rail safety is an important concern for communities across the United States, especially those with active railroad operations. It involves the prevention of accidents and injuries associated with rail transportation through practices and protocols aimed at protecting human life.

Rail safety requires collaboration among numerous stakeholders like railroad companies, government agencies, law enforcement, and the public. Key elements include pedestrian and driver caution around railroad crossings and tracks, proper training for railroad workers, routine inspection and maintenance of rail infrastructure, and enforcement of regulations related to train operations.

The overall goal is to promote safe environments where railroad activities can occur smoothly while minimizing unnecessary dangers to human life and property. This introductory page will provide an overview of fundamental rail safety topics, risks, statistics, and tips with a focus on the state of Florida, which has an extensive freight and passenger rail network used daily for commerce and travel.

WPB Rail Safety Community Workshop

On Monday, October 23, 2023, The West Palm Beach Rail Safety Community Workshop was hosted by DDEC, RISE, and the City of West Palm Beach at 723 39th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (Directions).

This free event from 6pm to 8pm provided our community an opportunity to learn more about rail safety, review ongoing initiatives, and give input on future programs. Attendees gained a better understanding of what rail safety encompasses, key statistics for their areas, safety tips, and educational resources.

Representatives from DDEC, RISE, and local government came together to discuss how we can collaborate to promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings. There was also an open Q&A session for residents to inquire about specific concerns.

Light refreshments were served. We hope you can attend next evening workshop focused on helping improve awareness and prevent accidents related to our local railroad transportation activities.

To Know

Introduction

  • Rail transport is critical in Florida, which has over 5,000 miles of railroad tracks spanning the state.
  • Ensuring rail safety is crucial, as statistics show over 800 rail-related accidents and incidents occur in Florida each year.

 

Rail Safety Risks in Florida

  • Railroad crossings – The most common rail-related accidents in Florida happen at one of the over 5,000 public railroad crossings. Failure to obey signs/signals, distracted driving, and trying to beat the train are common causes.
  • Trespassing – Nearly 30% of rail-related deaths in Florida involve trespassing on railroad rights-of-way. This is illegal and very dangerous.
  • Workplace incidents – Workers performing construction, maintenance or inspections on or near tracks face risks of being struck by trains or equipment.

Crossing Safety Tips

  • Obey all warning signs and signals at crossings. Do not go around lowered gates.
  • Do not stop on tracks or shift gears when crossing. Wait until fully clear of tracks.
  • Watch for second train if one already passed.
  • Trains can come from either direction.
  • Avoid distractions and eliminate outside noise when near crossings.
  • Focus on your surroundings.
  • Never race a train to a crossing. Trains cannot stop quickly.
  • Avoiding Trespassing Hazards
  • Stay off railroad tracks and property. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to walk on tracks.
  • Do not use tracks as shortcuts. Always use designated crossings.
  • Be aware that trains can come from either direction at any time. They do not adhere to schedules.
  • Report any unlawful track trespassing to authorities.
  • Provide location details.

 

Workplace Rail Safety

  • Require all workers near tracks to complete railroad safety training.

What Drives Us?

At Highway-rail Grade Crossings in 2022

Interactive Map

We value your input! Please use the interactive map below to share insights about railroad safety in your neighborhood and community. Pinpoint specific locations and provide details on any issues or concerns that should be addressed. You can also make recommendations on potential safety improvements at particular spots. Your feedback will help inform efforts to enhance rail safety across the area. The map allows you to submit location-specific comments that we can review and factor into future safety initiatives, improvements, and campaigns. By hearing directly from community members, we can better understand where additional caution signs, education, enforcement, or other protective measures may be needed. Your localized perspectives are critical. We appreciate you taking the time to help improve railroad safety in our shared community by adding your insights to the map. Your input will make a difference!
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References

Sources:

  • Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis – Railroad Safety Statistics 2021 Annual Report, released September 2022
  • Florida Department of Transportation – Florida Rail System Plan, Technical Memorandum on State Safety Program, June 2021
  • U.S. Department of Transportation – Florida Highway-Rail Crossing Safety Action Plan, Federal Highway Administration Report, May 2020
  • Operation Lifesaver – Florida Public Awareness Survey Results, 2017 and 2022 reports
  • U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics – Florida Transportation by the Numbers report, October 2022
  • National Transportation Safety Board – Investigation reports on Florida rail incidents and accidents

DDEC is a traffic and transportation engineering, planning, and design firm that helps local governments achieve their transportation goals through the creation of connected, safe, and equitable communities. Established by Uyen Dang, PE, DDEC officers are in Delray Beach, Tamarac, North Miami, and St. Augustine, Florida.

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