FRA launches crossing safety campaign, schedules trespassing prevention workshop

Rail News: Safety 3/2/2015

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Friday announced it's taking the first step in a new, multifaceted campaign aimed at strengthening enforcement and safety awareness at grade crossings.

The FRA is calling on local law enforcement agencies to increase their presence at crossings, issue citations to drivers that violate crossing rules and consider rapid implementation of best practices for crossing safety.

The campaign also calls for employing smarter uses of technology, increasing public awareness of crossing safety — including distracted driving — improving signage, working closer with states and local safety agencies, and seeking new funding for greater crossing safety.

"Recent accidents in New York and California are important reminders of our shared challenge to both educate the public about grade crossing safety, and to enforce appropriate behavior around railroad operations," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a press release. "Grade crossing and trespassing accidents are serious challenges to maintaining public safety. Every three hours of every day, someone is hit by a train in the United States and we must do all we can to heighten public awareness, strengthen enforcement efforts and pioneer new technologies to better secure public safety."