Gov. Polis Proclaims “See Tracks? Think Train” Week, Sept. 15 to 21, to Remind All Coloradans to Be Safe Crossing Rail Tracks

Statewide — Governor Polis proclaimed “See Tracks? Think Train® Week” to encourage Coloradans to focus on the importance of making safe choices when driving, walking or biking near railroad tracks and trains. During See Tracks? Think Train® Week (Sept. 15 to 21), the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Operation Lifesaver and other partners want to remind Coloradans to always use caution at rail crossings.

“A train traveling at 55 MPH requires a mile to stop – the length of more than 17 football fields. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can avoid crashes at rail crossings by simply slowing down and taking time to ensure there is safe passage,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “As the PUC expands its oversight of rail safety, we are proud to partner with CDOT and Operation Lifesaver to remind Coloradans to make safe crossings to get home safe.”

In 2024, 46 crashes involving trains resulted in 24 injuries and one death in Colorado. In 2025, two people have been killed and five injured in 32 crashes so far this year. Most of these crashes took place at crossings with active warnings, such as gates and alarms. This underscores the importance of never going around gates or ignoring auditable warnings.

“Whether you’re in a car, on a bike, walking, or traveling by any other mode, never try to beat a train,” said Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of CDOT. “We remind all travelers to pay attention to the warning signs at railroad crossings and stay on the lookout for trains. These simple steps can be life-saving.”

Some railroad crossings, especially in rural areas of Colorado, may not have gates or signals. These are known as passive crossings and require special attention from motorists to stop, look and listen for trains. Passive warning crossings lack bells, flashing lights, and gates found with active crossings. In urban areas of the state where active warning crossings are more common, RTD has released its own video on the importance of rail safety. As of 2024, there are 784 active warning crossings in Colorado and 960 passive warning ones.

“RTD operates 10 rail lines on more than 114 miles of track throughout the Denver metro region. Across our rail network, the agency’s team carries an awesome responsibility to safely transport the most important thing in life, which is people. The need to conduct oneself in a safe manner around railroad crossings and train tracks is paramount to all customers we serve within the communities our trains travel,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD General Manager and CEO.

“Working with the communities we serve and spreading awareness to remain vigilant around all railroad tracks as a pedestrian, driver or passenger is important,” said BNSF Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem. “To keep the public and our crews safe, we ask for everyone to stay off the tracks, cross at designated points, obey the warning signs and to always expect a train to be on the tracks. Grade crossing incidents are preventable, and our collaborative efforts will get us to that point.”

"While less common than most crashes we see, train and vehicle crashes are known to cause extensive damage due to the speed, size and weight involved," explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Drivers should use extra caution before crossing any tracks and respect railroad crossing signals, including lights, bells, and barriers."

Every year in North America, 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured around tracks and trains — often at at-grade crossings. In the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours, on average.

“Rail Safety Week is an important reminder that staying safe around railroad tracks and crossings takes all of us,” said Rod Doerr, vice president and chief safety officer, Union Pacific Railroad. “In Colorado and across our 23-state network, we urge everyone to stay alert, follow crossing signals and never try to beat a train. One moment of caution can save a life.”

Crashes occur when motorists try to drive through a crossing before the train arrives, driving around a lowered gate, driving under a closing or raising gate, or being distracted. Pedestrians are also killed each year when they trespass on railroad tracks and are struck by passing trains.

"The highest priority for our industry along with our railroad partners is safety. We encourage our truck drivers and other motorists to be alert, exercise caution, and comply with all signage at grade crossings. Better to be patient and safe than risk your life and others," said Colorado Motor Carriers Association President Greg Fulton.

By law, trains always have the right of way, and avoiding a train collision is the responsibility of the driver, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist. A train cannot swerve, stop quickly or change directions to avert a collision.

To stay safe, follow these tips at railroad crossings:

• When approaching a railroad crossing, slow down, look and listen for a train on the tracks, especially at passive crossings where there are no gates or warning signals.
• Look carefully in both directions before crossing a rail track, even during the day.
• Do not rely on past experience to guess when a train is coming. Trains can travel from either direction at any time on any track.
• Never race a train. It is easy to misjudge a train’s speed and distance from a crossing.
• Before entering a railroad crossing, check that there is enough room on the other side of the tracks for your vehicle to cross completely and safely. Be aware that you may need to cross multiple sets of tracks at some railroad crossings.
• Never stop on railroad tracks. Keep moving once you have entered the crossing. To avoid a vehicle stalling, never shift gears on the tracks.
• If your vehicle stalls on a railroad track, quickly move away from the track and your vehicle at a 45-degree angle to prevent being hit by debris. Call the phone number on the Emergency Notification System sign or, if the sign is not visible, dial 911 for help.

The PUC and CDOT work together to improve railroad safety in the state. For example, the Office of Rail Safety at the PUC works to ensure freight, passenger, community and environmental rail safety for the state’s unique and delicate terrain, its headwaters, its communities, and its rail workers. CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail is responsible for the planning, developing, operating, and integrating transit and rail into the statewide transportation system and is the driving force behind Mountain and Front Range Passenger Rail. Also, CDOT's Project Development Branch, Railroad Program administers the Section 130 program and supports the Regions with railroad surface maintenance projects.

“See Tracks? Think Train® Week is a week of rail safety education focusing attention on the importance of making safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains,” said Michelle Kempema, State Coordinator, Colorado Operation Lifesaver. “We want to raise awareness to help know the facts and make safe choices. Each day of the week will have a different theme in social media, so make sure to check out the Operation Lifesaver social platforms!”

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a national rail safety education organization, works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations to observe See Tracks? Think Train® Week each year. The organization’s "Stop Track Tragedies" public awareness campaign shows the impact that rail-related incidents have on families - and communities. Operation Lifesaver works with CDOT to prevent crashes. This includes upgrades at railroad crossings with warning lights and gates as a part of CDOT’s commitment to reducing crashes involving trains.

About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. Learn more at puc.colorado.gov