See Tracks? Think Train! Week Highlights Importance of Rail Safety

Illinois residents are being reminded to use extra caution around railroad tracks and crossings as See Tracks? Think Train! Week is recognized Sept. 21-27.

According to the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the nation’s largest rail union, Illinois has approximately 7,300 miles of railroad track, 7,482 public highway-rail crossings and 3,280 private crossings. In 2025, the state reported 134 highway-rail crossing collisions that resulted in 34 deaths and 27 serious injuries.

This year’s week of recognition also comes as a new Illinois law puts a greater focus on teaching young people about rail safety. House Bill 3743, signed into law in July, requires K-12 student handbooks to include basic railroad safety information, including the importance of using designated crossings, obeying warning signs and signals, staying off tracks and watching for a second train.

SMART-TD is also reminding residents of six basic rail safety tips to help keep pedestrians, drivers and rail riders safe:

– Always expect a train: Never assume a track is inactive simply because you do not see a train.
– Never go around lowered gates: Flashing lights and gates mean stop and wait.
– Look for another train: After one train passes, another may be approaching on an adjacent track.
– Stay off railroad tracks: Tracks are not sidewalks, shortcuts, trails or recreation areas.
– Avoid distractions: Phones and headphones can prevent people from recognizing danger.
– Never assume a train can stop quickly: An average freight train traveling 55 mph may take more than a mile to stop.

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