The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Operation Lifesaver today underscored the importance of rail crossing safety at a press conference to kickoff See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024.
The annual event helps raise awareness to reduce collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians and prevent track tragedies. About every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. In Connecticut from 2019 to 2023, 16 vehicles were struck by trains, resulting in 22 injuries. Over the same time, there were 54 incidents involving pedestrians, resulting in 10 injuries and 46 fatalities.
CTDOT was joined today by Operation Lifesaver, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, local and state law enforcement, and rail safety partners at the Berlin Train Station along the Hartford Line. Governor Ned Lamont also issued a special statement proclaiming September 23-29, 2024, as See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024 in Connecticut.
“Railroad safety is crucial as Connecticut’s extensive rail network has hundreds of active crossings. We remind the public that the road is closed when the red lights are on and the gates are down. Drivers and pedestrians should stop and wait for the train to pass and should never try to cross or outrun a train,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “We are bringing rail safety to the forefront and preventing track tragedies thanks to our continued partnership with Operation Lifesaver and with our dedicated CTDOT staff. Thank you to members of law enforcement, our elected officials and rail partners for helping us raise awareness during See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024.”
CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will hold various events throughout the week. Members of the media are encouraged to attend the following:
- Tuesday, September 24, Operation Clear Track: To emphasize the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespassing laws, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will work with Amtrak, North Haven, Wallingford, and Meriden Police Departments on Operation Clear Track, a public awareness and safety event at active railroad crossings.
- Wednesday, September 25, School Bus Crossing Safety: To highlight crossing safety, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will distribute safety information to school bus drivers in New Haven and West Hartford.
- Thursday, September 26, Commuter Safety: To remind riders of safety around railroad tracks, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will speak with commuters at New Haven Union Station, Bridgeport Station, and Stamford Transportation Center throughout the day.
- Friday, September 27, CT Transit Day: Hand out event for CT Transit in Hartford and Hamden.
CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver encourage all people to practice railroad safety during See Tracks? Think Train Week 2024 and every day of the year.
For more information on Operation Lifesaver, visit oli.org.