Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit, international continuing public education program first established in 1972 to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way. Operation Lifesaver programs are sponsored cooperatively by federal, state, and local government agencies; highway safety organizations, and the nation’s railroads.

Below are some amazing statistics, provided by Operation Lifesaver, regarding ACCIDENTS and DEATHS on railroad property and at railroad crossings.

• Most collisions with trains occur with trains traveling under 30 mph.
• 64% of all collisions with trains occur in daylight hours.
• Most collisions with trains occur within 25 miles of the drivers home.
• 25% of all collisions with trains occur when the vehicle runs into the train.
• Nearly 50% of all collisions with trains occur at crossings equipped with automatic warning devices.
• You are 40 times more likely to die in a collision with a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle.
• More than nine times per week, a truck with a trailer and a train collide.
• Since 1990, there have been over 5,000 people killed while trespassing on railroad rights-of-way and property.
• In the United States two people die every day in collisions with trains at grade crossings.
• In the United States two people die every day while trespassing on railroad property.

Some RAILROAD FACTS to remember:

• Railroad tracks, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine.
• There are over 200,000 miles of railroad tracks in the United States.
• There are over 260,000 grade crossings in the United States.
• A freight train moving at 55 miles per hour, or an 8-car passenger train moving at 79 miles per hour, can take a mile or more to stop.