Governor Jared Polis has declared September 15-21 as “See Tracks? Think Train” Week in Colorado, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about safety near railroad tracks. The campaign is a joint effort involving the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Operation Lifesaver, and other organizations.
Rebecca White, Director of the PUC, emphasized the dangers associated with train 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 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.”
According to state data, there were 46 crashes involving trains in Colorado in 2024, resulting in 24 injuries and one death. In 2025 so far, two people have died and five have been injured in 32 train-related incidents. Most accidents occurred at crossings equipped with active warnings such as gates and alarms.
Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of CDOT, stated: “Whether you’re in a car, on a bike, walking, or traveling by any other mode, never try to beat a train. 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.”
The state has both active warning crossings—784 as of 2024—and passive warning crossings without gates or signals—960 across Colorado. Rural areas are more likely to have passive crossings that require drivers and pedestrians to stop, look, and listen for trains before crossing.
Debra A. Johnson, RTD General Manager and CEO commented: “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.”
BNSF Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem added: “Working with the communities we serve and spreading awareness to remain vigilant around all railroad tracks as a pedestrian, driver or passenger is important. 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.”
Col. Matthew C. Packard from Colorado State Patrol noted: “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… “Drivers should use extra caution before crossing any tracks and respect railroad crossing signals including lights bells and barriers.”
Nationally each year about 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured around tracks; someone is hit by a train every three hours on average.
Rod Doerr from Union Pacific Railroad said: “Rail Safety Week is an important reminder that staying safe around railroad tracks and crossings takes all of us… In Colorado and across our 23-state network we urge everyone stay alert follow crossing signals never try beat train One moment caution can save life.”
Crashes often happen when motorists try beating trains through crossings or ignore warnings; pedestrian deaths also occur when trespassing on tracks.
Greg Fulton from Colorado Motor Carriers Association stated: “The highest priority for our industry along with our railroad partners is safety… We encourage truck drivers other motorists be alert exercise caution comply all signage grade crossings Better patient safe than risk your life others.”
Trains always have right-of-way under law; avoiding collisions remains responsibility for those using roads or paths near rails since trains cannot swerve or stop quickly.
Safety tips include slowing down approaching crossings—especially passive ones—looking both ways even during daylight hours not relying on past experience never racing trains ensuring enough room beyond tracks before entering not stopping atop rails moving away quickly if stalled calling emergency numbers posted nearby or dialing 911 if needed.
The PUC’s Office of Rail Safety works statewide for freight passenger community environmental safety while CDOT’s Division Transit Rail plans integrates transit systems supports projects like Mountain Front Range Passenger Rail administers maintenance programs.
Michelle Kempema from Operation Lifesaver described See Tracks? Think Train Week as “a week of rail safety education focusing attention on importance making safe choices when driving walking near railroad tracks trains… Each day week will different theme social media so make sure check out Operation Lifesaver social platforms!”
Operation Lifesaver collaborates annually with U.S Department Transportation runs campaigns like Stop Track Tragedies highlights impact rail incidents families communities works alongside CDOT upgrading warnings lights gates aiming reduce crash rates statewide.
