Statistics
Visit the Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Safety Analysis for the most recent, detailed railroad safety statistics, including state-specific information about highway-rail grade crossing and pedestrian-rail trespass incidents.
OLI Statistic Summaries
Decline in collisions
We’ve helped to reduce the number of train/motor vehicle collisions from a 1972 high of roughly 12,000 annual incidents to a 2009 record low of approximately 1,900 incidents.
(Source: FRA preliminary 2009 statistics).
Track Facts and Tips
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is not only dangerous, it's illegal. Trespassers can be arrested and fined - the ultimate penalty is death.
- The ONLY legal, safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
- Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels.
- There are approximately 160,000 miles of track operated in the United States (source: Association of American Railroads, 2010).
- Do not walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump on railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges; there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.
- Do not attempt to jump aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.
- Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!