Governor Jared Polis has declared September 15 to 21 as “See Tracks? Think Train” Week in Colorado, aiming to highlight the importance of safety near railroad tracks. The initiative is supported by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Operation Lifesaver, and other partners.
“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 recent years, Colorado has seen several incidents involving trains. In 2024, there were 46 train-related crashes resulting in 24 injuries and one death. So far in 2025, two fatalities and five injuries have occurred in 32 reported crashes. Many of these incidents happened at crossings equipped with active warnings such as gates and alarms, highlighting the risks associated with ignoring these signals.
“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 crossings in rural parts of Colorado lack gates or signals—known as passive crossings—which require motorists to be especially vigilant by stopping, looking, and listening for trains before proceeding. As of 2024, Colorado has 784 active warning crossings and 960 passive warning ones. In urban areas where active warnings are more common, RTD has produced a video emphasizing rail safety.
“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.”
Across North America each year about 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured around tracks or trains—often at grade-level crossings—and nationally someone 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 at 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.”
Incidents often occur when drivers attempt risky maneuvers such as going around lowered gates or under closing barriers or become distracted near tracks; pedestrians also face fatal risks if they trespass on railway property.
“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 in Colorado—and nationwide—trains always have right-of-way because they cannot swerve or stop quickly enough once an obstacle appears.
The PUC’s Office of Rail Safety works alongside CDOT’s Division of Transit & Rail—responsible for integrating transit options statewide—to enhance freight/passenger/community/environmental rail safety amid diverse terrain across Colorado’s regions.
