See Tracks? Think Train® Week: Rail Safety Awareness
September 21st – 27th, 2026, marks See Tracks? Think Train® Week, a national rail safety awareness campaign focused on preventing railroad crossing and trespassing incidents. Formerly known as Rail Safety Week, the annual campaign brings communities, schools, drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement, railroad partners, and safety organizations together to promote safer choices around railroad tracks and trains.
Why Is Rail Safety Important in North Dakota and South Dakota?
North Dakota has more than 3,800 miles of railroad track, while South Dakota has more than 1,800 miles. Railroad tracks and crossings impact approximately 290 communities in North Dakota and 142 communities in South Dakota.
North Dakota also has 4,384 railroad crossings, including 3,294 public crossings and 1,090 private crossings, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
That means encountering railroad tracks isn’t unusual in the Dakotas. Drivers may cross tracks on major highways, city streets, rural roads, and private roads. Pedestrians, bicyclists, recreational users, and others may also encounter railroad rights-of-way.
Knowing how to respond when you see railroad tracks is an important part of staying safe.
What Should You Do at a Railroad Crossing?
· Slow down and look both ways when approaching a crossing.
· Obey all signs, signals, flashing lights, and crossing gates.
· Never drive around lowered gates. If the gates are down stop and wait.
· Never stop your vehicle on the tracks. If your vehicle becomes stuck, get out immediately and call the number found on the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign.
· Never walk, bike, play, or take photos on railroad tracks or railroad property.
· Do not assume that tracks are abandoned. A track may still be active even if you don’t see a train.
· Put down distractions and pay attention when approaching a crossing.
See Tracks? Think Train® Week Is a Reminder to Make Safe Choices
See Tracks? Think Train® Week is more than a week-long awareness campaign. It is an opportunity to start conversations about rail safety with your family, coworkers, students, employees, and community.
The goal is simple: prevent railroad crossing and trespassing incidents before they happen.
North Dakota and South Dakota are home to extensive rail networks, and people encounter railroad tracks every day. Knowing the risks and making the right decision when you see tracks can make the difference between arriving safely and experiencing a life-changing tragedy.
Learn More About Rail Safety
The Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas provides rail safety education and resources for communities, schools, workplaces, and organizations throughout North Dakota and South Dakota.
Free rail safety presentations are available. Visit Operation Lifesaver of the Dakotas See Tracks? Think Train® Week resources to access educational materials and learn how you can help spread the rail safety message. https://www.ndsc.org/operation-lifesaver/
