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Trespass Fatalities by State

Top 15 States

(Based on Preliminary 2008 Federal Railroad Administration Statistics)

UPDATED 6/1/09

According to FRA statistics, 452 pedestrian rail trespass fatalities occurred in 2008. A total of 73% of all Year 2008 trespass fatalities occurred in the 15 states listed below.

1.  California           59

2.  Illinois               35

3.  Texas                30

4.  Florida               26

5.  Pennsylvania      24

6.  New Jersey        20

7.  Tennessee         20

8.  New York          17

9.  North Carolina   17

10. Georgia            15

11. Massachusetts   15

12. Ohio                 15

13. Arizona             13

14. New Mexico       11

15. Washington       10

Track Facts & Tips:

• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property.  Walking or playing on them is illegal – trespassers are subject to arrest and fines.  Too often the penalty is death.

• There are approximately 140,000 miles of railroad line in the United States (source: Association of American Railroads, 2006).

• The ONLY legal and 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 or rights-of-way or through tunnels. 

• 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 hop aboard railroad equipment at any time.  A slip of the foot can costyou a limb, or your life.

Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!