Railroads play a vital role in moving people and goods across our country, but they also carry serious risks when people trespass where they shouldn’t. Railroad tracks and trains are private property and entering them without permission is both illegal and dangerous.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States. In 2024 alone, there were 819 fatalities and 645 injuries linked to trespassing on railroad property—that’s more than 1,400 preventable tragedies in a single year.

Why Trespassing is Dangerous

• Trains are fast and unpredictable. They can approach from either direction at any time, and a freight train moving at 55 mph may need over a mile to stop.
• Trains are quieter than you think. Modern engines make less noise than most people expect, leaving little time to react.
• Tracks aren’t just the rails. Trains extend several feet beyond what you see, meaning even standing beside the track can put you in harm’s way.

The Legal and Community Costs

Trespassing on railroads isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a legal one. Penalties can include fines and, in some jurisdictions, jail time. Beyond that, every incident affects more than the trespasser: train crews, first responders, and families are left with lasting trauma after these avoidable crashes.

How to Stay Safe

• Only cross at designated crossings. They are the only safe and legal places to cross.
• Stay alert. Remove earbuds, put away distractions, and always expect a train.
• Keep your distance. Stay at least 15 feet away from tracks, bridges, and tunnels.

See Tracks? Think Train Week

This year, September 15^th – 21^st marks See Tracks? Think Train Week, a nationwide rail safety campaign led by Operation Lifesaver. It’s a reminder to everyone that trains can come at any time, from either direction, and the only safe choice is to stay off the tracks.

To learn more about See Tracks? Think Train Week visit https://www.ndsc.org/see-tracks-think-train-week/.

Helps us #StopTrackTragedies

Join us in our efforts to reduce trespassing through awareness and education. But ultimately, the most effective prevention starts with individuals making safe choices.

If interested, volunteer with Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas to share the rail safety education message to communities across North Dakota and South Dakota. Reach out to State Coordinator Kevin Brown at kevinb@ndsc.org to learn more.

Key Takeaway

Trespassing on railroad tracks is never worth the risk. Every year, hundreds of lives are lost in preventable incidents. By staying off the tracks and spreading the #RailSafety message, we can all help save lives.