“See Tracks? Think Train® Week” urges Coloradans to make safe choices around railroad tracks

Statewide — During See Tracks? Think Train® Week, Sept. 21 to 27, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Colorado Operation Lifesaver, and rail safety partners are reminding Coloradans that a few seconds of caution can prevent a tragedy.

Railroad tracks are a part of communities across Colorado, and whether driving, walking or biking, everyone should use caution to prevent crashes with trains. Unlike a vehicle, a train cannot swerve to avoid someone on the tracks and can take a mile or more to come to a stop.

A person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours in the United States. In Colorado, three people were killed in highway-rail grade crossing incidents this year through May 2026. In 2025, four people were killed and 13 were injured. Across the country, 286 people were killed and 766 injured last year. More than 60% of collisions happen at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates — underscoring that warning devices only work when people obey them.

“Railroad crossing signs and signals are not suggestions. If the lights are flashing or a gate is moving down, stop and wait. Never try to beat a train,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A few minutes of patience can prevent a crash that a train crew has almost no ability to avoid.”

In 2025, Colorado recorded 36 grade-crossing incidents, four fatalities and 13 injuries. Two of those fatalities occurred in Weld County near Nunn, one occurred in Denver and one in El Paso County near Security. Eleven of the 13 people injured were hurt at public crossings.

According to Federal Railroad Administration data, Colorado’s recent grade-crossing totals include:

• 2025: 36 incidents, 4 fatalities, 13 injuries
• 2024: 29 incidents, 1 fatality, 22 injuries
• 2023: 26 incidents, 6 fatalities, 14 injuries
• 2022: 23 incidents, 3 fatalities, 8 injuries

“Every trip should end safely, whether you’re driving, walking or riding a bike. Railroad crossings are places where one impatient decision can have irreversible consequences. Every traveler has a role: obey the signals, stay off the tracks and always expect a train,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

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. A train traveling at 55 MPH requires a mile to stop – the length of more than 17 football fields – after applying the emergency brakes.

“Rail safety depends on both safe infrastructure and safe decisions. That is why slowing down, paying attention and following signals and signs every time are so important,” said PUC Director Rebecca White.”

Some railroad crossings, particularly in rural areas of Colorado, do not have gates, bells or flashing lights. These passive crossings rely on signs such as crossbucks and require drivers to slow down, look in both directions and listen before proceeding. As of 2024, Colorado had 960 passive-warning crossings and 784 crossings with active warnings such as lights and/or gates. The PUC has limited funding available to help local governments to signalize crossings. Learn more by clicking here.

All drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists should:

• Always expect a train. Trains can travel on any track, at any time and from either direction.
• Obey all warning devices. Never drive, walk or bike around a lowered gate or through flashing red lights. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the gates are completely raised.
• Slow down, look and listen. Pay particular attention at passive crossings that do not have lights or gates.
• Cross only at designated crossings. Walking on or alongside railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal.
• Make sure you can clear the tracks before crossing. Do not enter a crossing unless there is enough room on the other side for your entire vehicle.
• Watch for a second train. At crossings with multiple tracks, another train may be approaching from either direction after the first train passes.
• Cyclists should use extra caution. When possible, walk rather than ride across tracks and cross at a 90-degree angle so wheels do not become caught in the rails.
• If your vehicle stalls or becomes stuck on the tracks, get out immediately and move away from the tracks — even if you do not notice a train. Find the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System sign and call the number listed, providing the crossing identification number. If there is no sign, call 911.

Rail and transportation partners stress shared responsibility:

“Safety is paramount across all RTD transit operations. Every day, employees carry the responsibility of safely moving thousands of people across the rail network, and that responsibility extends to communities throughout the region. Rail Safety Week is an important opportunity to remind everyone that staying alert, following warning signals, using designated crossings, and keeping off tracks can help prevent tragedies. We all have a role to play in keeping customers, employees, and communities safe around trains and railroad tracks,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD General Manager and CEO.

“At BNSF, safety is a value that guides every decision we make, and that commitment extends to the communities where our trains operate. We ask everyone to cross only at designated locations, follow warning signs and signals and always expect a train. Safe choices are essential to preventing crossing incidents,” said BNSF Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem.

“Trains cannot stop quickly or swerve, which is why every person must make safe decisions near tracks and crossings. Never try to beat a train, always obey warning devices and use designated crossings. Safety is Union Pacific’s top priority, and we are proud to work alongside our partners to help prevent incidents and ensure people get home safely,” said Nathan Anderson, senior director-Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad.

“On our highways truck drivers face numerous hazards every day, but grade crossings in particular require a driver's special attention. Remember, trains cannot stop quickly. Slow down, stay alert, obey warning devices, and never stop on the tracks or attempt to beat a train. A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a life-changing collision. Safety is not only about protecting yourself and your cargo, it is about protecting your family, fellow motorists, and the communities we serve,” said Colorado Motor Carriers Association President Greg Fulton.

“See Tracks? Think Train Week is about turning awareness into safe habits people use throughout the year. Always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and know what to do in an emergency. These are simple actions, but they can stop track tragedies,” said Michelle Kempema, Colorado Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator.

Colorado Operation Lifesaver is part of a nationwide public safety education effort focused on reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. The organization provides free rail safety presentations and works with state agencies, railroads, law enforcement, schools and communities to promote education, enforcement and engineering strategies that keep people safe around tracks and 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.

About Regional Transportation District (RTD)

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) was created in 1969 by the Colorado General Assembly to develop, operate, and maintain a mass transportation system that now benefits more than 3.1 million people in the Denver metro area. The transportation agency is governed by a 15-member publicly elected Board of Directors and has a service area of 2,349 square miles. RTD provides transit services via 126 bus routes, six light rail lines, four commuter rail lines, and paratransit options. For more information, visit rtd-denver.com/about-rtd or call 303-299-6000.