Governor Jared Polis has declared September 15 to 21 as “See Tracks? Think Train” Week in Colorado, aiming to raise awareness about safety near railroad tracks. The initiative is a joint effort 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.”
Recent data shows that in 2024, there were 46 train-related crashes in Colorado resulting in 24 injuries and one death. In 2025 so far, two people have died and five have been injured in 32 incidents. Most accidents happened at crossings equipped with active warnings like gates or alarms, highlighting the risk when these signals are ignored.
“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.”
Colorado has both active warning crossings—those with bells, lights or gates—and passive ones without such signals. There are currently 784 active warning crossings and 960 passive ones across the state. Some rural areas rely on passive crossings where drivers must be especially vigilant.
RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson commented on their role: “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. 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.”
Col. Matthew C. Packard of the Colorado State Patrol noted: “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.”
According to national statistics from Operation Lifesaver , each year approximately 2,100 people are killed or seriously injured around tracks or trains across North America—often at grade-level crossings—and someone is struck every three hours by a train in America.
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,” said Rod Doerr, vice president and chief safety officer, Union Pacific Railroad. “In Colorado and across our 23-state network, we urge everyone to stay alert , follow crossing signals ,and never try beat a train .One moment caution can save life.”
Many collisions occur when motorists attempt risky maneuvers such as driving around lowered gates or under closing barriers; distracted pedestrians also face danger when trespassing along railways.
Greg Fulton from Colorado Motor Carriers Association stressed: “The highest priority for our industry along with our railroad partners is safety .We encourage truck drivers other motorists be alert ,exercise caution comply signage grade crossings .Better patient safe than risk your life others.”
By law trains always have right-of-way; avoiding collisions depends on attentiveness from drivers ,pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists since trains cannot stop quickly swerve change direction .
PUC’s Office of Rail Safety oversees freight ,passenger community environmental concerns while CDOT’s Division Transit Rail manages planning integration statewide system—including projects like Mountain Front Range Passenger Rail —and supports maintenance through programs such as Section130.
