Connecticut Department of Transportation

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06/15/2023

CTDOT Raises Awareness on Railroad Crossings on International Level Crossing Awareness Day

(Newington, CT) - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Operation Lifesaver today joined local law enforcement in Connecticut to help raise awareness of railroad crossing safety.  June 15 is International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), a worldwide initiative to improve awareness of level crossing safety. CTDOT joined local municipal police departments, as well as Metro-North and Amtrak police, to share information with the public on the importance of railroad safety. Today’s event follows a grade crossing crash in Norwalk on June 14.

“Every three hours, someone in the United States is struck by a train. It is essential that we raise awareness to the public so these types of crashes are reduced, and we can stop track tragedies,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Rail Officer and Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Kevin Burns. “There are hundreds of active rail crossings throughout Connecticut, and unfortunately, crashes still occur, as we just saw on June 14. We need people to remember when they see tracks, to think train. We’ll continue working with Operation Lifesaver and our law enforcement partners to get the word out to help reduce crashes and injuries.”

CTDOT spent the day in Bethel, Norwalk, and Wallingford handing out information to motorists and connecting with school bus drivers. Last year in Connecticut, there were five grade crossing crashes, which resulted in 16 injuries. Nationally, there were nearly 2,200 crossing collisions in 2022.

CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver share the following tips for drivers:

  • The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings. Always obey warning signs and signals. Always look for a train before proceeding.
  • Always expect a train. Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear and can run on any track at any time. Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains often change.
  • Before crossing, be sure there is space on the other side to completely clear the tracks.
  • If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately. Then look for the blue sign near the crossing which includes the rail crossing information and contains the emergency toll-free phone number to report an emergency or problem.

CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver share the following tips for bicyclists and pedestrians:

  • Always expect a train. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction.
  • The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate.
  • Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention. Plan ahead when choosing a route.
  • Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates. Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised.
  • Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
  • To report an emergency or problem, look for the blue sign near the crossing which includes the rail crossing information and contains the emergency toll-free phone number.

For more information on the CTDOT Rail Safety program, visit ct.gov/dot.



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