When motorists ignore warnings at a highway-grade rail crossing, the results can be deadly.

It helps explain why the skull-and-crossbones symbol accompanied signs like “STOP – DEATH – STOP” at rail crossings in the early 20^th century. It’s also why today we have the crossbuck railroad crossing sign, the only highway sign shaped as an “X” in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

The crossbuck, crossing advance warning signage, crossing gate arms, flashers, and pavement markings have taken the place of the skull-and-crossbones to warn all crossing users about the dangers of an oncoming train. But no warning system works if it’s misunderstood or ignored.

Educating motorists and pedestrians about railroad safety is the goal of “See Tracks? Think Train” Week (formerly Rail Safety Week). Sponsored by Operation Lifesaver Inc., the event raises awareness to help prevent railroad crossing and trespass incidents across North America.

Always expect a train on any track at any time.

The awareness campaign, coupled with improvements in crossing design, has had a positive impact. From a peak of 12,000 incidents recorded in 1972, the number of incidents at rail crossings currently averages about 2,300, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Sadly, current annual statistics include an average of more than 200 lives lost and 700 injuries.

Put another way, a vehicle or person is struck by a train every three hours in North America, according to Operation Lifesaver. Surprisingly, more than 60 percent of collisions occur at crossings equipped with flashing lights and/or gates.

At Olsson, we’re working in partnership with the rail industry and public transportation agencies to help lower those numbers. Together we are constantly striving to improve the safety of highway-grade crossings through continual improvement by advancing our knowledge and use of technology.

In conjunction with Union Pacific Railroad, we also teach an all-day safety focused course called Traffic Engineering at Grade Crossings (TE101). The course is offered free to railroad employees and public agencies and for a nominal fee to consultants. In the past 10 years, more than 1,250 professionals have completed TE101 in states where Union Pacific operates.

Another way our team helps raise awareness during “See Tracks, Think Train” Week is by participating in Operation Lifesaver’s #RedOutForRailSafety. Everyone is encouraged to join us in wearing red on the Friday of safety week.

We are constantly striving to improve the safety of highway-grade crossings.

We’re often asked how people can safely approach grade crossings. It comes down to adopting a few habits, which include:

• Always expect a train on any track at any time.
• If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out immediately and move away to a safe distance.
• Look for the blue-and-white emergency notification signs at every grade crossing for a phone number to stop a train when a vehicle is stalled on the tracks.
• Obey all traffic control devices at grade crossings and stay off the railroad right-of-way.

Driving around crossing gate arms, queuing on a grade crossing, or trespassing on railroad property all can result in costly fines.

Or they could cost something much more valuable.