Governor Jared Polis has declared September 15 to 21 as “See Tracks? Think Train Week” in Colorado, aiming to raise awareness about safety at railroad crossings. The initiative is a joint effort involving the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Operation Lifesaver, and other organizations.
Rebecca White, Director of the PUC, highlighted the dangers associated with trains: “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,” she said. “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.”
Recent data show that in 2024 there were 46 train-related crashes in Colorado, resulting in 24 injuries and one death. So far in 2025, two fatalities and five injuries have occurred across 32 crashes. Most incidents happened at crossings equipped with active warnings like gates and alarms.
Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of CDOT, emphasized caution for all travelers: “Whether you’re in a car, on a bike, walking, or traveling by any other mode, never try to beat a train,” she said. “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 railroad crossings lack gates or signals—these passive crossings are mostly found in rural areas and require motorists’ extra vigilance. As of 2024, Colorado has 784 active warning crossings and 960 passive ones. In urban regions where active warnings are common, RTD has released an educational video on rail safety.
Debra A. Johnson, RTD General Manager and CEO noted: “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.”
BNSF Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem added: “Working with the communities we serve and spreading awareness to remain vigilant around all railroad tracks as a pedestrian, driver or passenger is important… Grade crossing incidents are preventable, and our collaborative efforts will get us to that point.”
Col. Matthew C. Packard from the Colorado State Patrol commented on crash severity: “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,” he said. “Drivers should use extra caution before crossing any tracks and respect railroad crossing signals including lights bells and barriers.”
Nationally each year about 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured near tracks or trains—often at grade-level crossings—and someone is hit by a train every three hours on average.
Rod Doerr from Union Pacific Railroad stated: “Rail Safety Week is an important reminder that staying safe around railroad tracks and crossings takes all of us… One moment of caution can save a life.”
Crashes typically occur when motorists attempt risky maneuvers such as driving around lowered gates or being distracted; pedestrians also risk fatal accidents by trespassing onto tracks.
Greg Fulton from Colorado Motor Carriers Association remarked: “The highest priority for our industry along with our railroad partners is safety… Better to be patient and safe than risk your life and others.”
By law trains always have right-of-way; it remains up to drivers pedestrians bicyclists or motorcyclists not only because trains cannot swerve or stop quickly but also because avoiding collisions depends on those approaching rails.
The PUC’s Office of Rail Safety works alongside CDOT’s Division of Transit & Rail—which manages planning development operation integration statewide—as well as CDOT’s Project Development Branch supporting maintenance projects under Section 130 program guidelines.
