All aboard for rail safety

RICHMOND — Do you hear that sound in the distance? It may be a train whistle. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to remind drivers of critical rail safety information to keep travelers safe and help prevent highway-rail crossing incidents.

The important safety reminder comes during Operation Lifesaver’s See Tracks? Think Train! Week, which runs Sept. 15-21.

Between 2021 and July 2025, there have been 176 incidents at highway-rail grade crossings — intersections where a highway crosses a railroad at the same level — in Virginia. This has resulted in 44 injuries and 18 fatalities across the commonwealth, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. In 2024, Virginia ranked 21st in the nation — among the highest half of the states — for highway-rail crossing collisions.

“Collisions are preventable, especially when there are clear signs of an oncoming train,” VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich said. “Drivers have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road, and that includes obeying signs, gates and other warning devices when they approach a railroad crossing.”

Drivers play a role in preventing collisions. Since 2021, over 95% of highway-rail grade incidents in Virginia occurred at crossings with some type of warning device, including but not limited to flashing lights, gates and pavement markings. In the same time period, more than 87% of incidents occurred because vehicles did not stop, stopped on the crossing, or went around the gate.

Safety tips

There are several ways drivers and non-motorized users can be safe around highway-rail crossings.

• Remember trains are closer and moving faster than they appear.
• Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
• Never drive, pedal or walk around lowered gates — it's illegal and dangerous.
• Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.
• To avoid getting trapped on the tracks, proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
• If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.
• At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
• When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks promptly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
• Keep your phone down, listening volume reduced and avoid distractions when approaching a railroad crossing.