Highway Railroad Crossing Safety Continuing Safety Areas

CHALLENGE

While highway railroad crossing crashes represent only a small number of the total crashes in Utah, they are some of the most severe. As the number of trains in Utah increase with expanded transit, commuter and freight services, the probability of railroad crossing crashes may also increase.

DIRECTION

Continue efforts to reduce crashes at highway railroad crossings through education, engineering, and enforcement.

PRIORITY STRATEGIES

ENGINEERING
  • Support and encourage continued engineering research and innovation that improves railroad crossing safety.
  • Enhance railroad crossing inspection, evaluation and engineering upgrade.
  • Implement pedestrian and preemption standards.
EDUCATION
  • Educate new drivers, school bus drivers, professional truck drivers and the public about railroad crossing safety.
  • Continue to support railroad crossing safety and educational programs.
ENFORCEMENT
  • Support enforcement of traffic laws at railroad crossings.
  • Provide law enforcement with opportunities to participate in Utah Rail Safety Week, organized by Utah Operation Lifesaver.
LEADERS
  • Federal Highway Administration
  • Federal Railroad Administration,
  • Utah Operation Lifesaver,
  • Utah Department of Transportation,
  • Utah Department of Public Safety:
    • Utah Highway Patrol,
    • Highway Safety Office,
  • Utah Transit Authority,
  • Utah State Board of Education.