The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is joining with Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver, Federal Railroad Administration, the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, and the railroads to increase awareness of safe practices at railroad crossings and around tracks. Events are planned across the state.
2017 Wisconsin Statistics:
Crashes
The number of crashes at railroad crossings declined from 2016, although the number of injuries and deaths increased. In 2017, nineteen people were injured and six died in 42 railroad crossing crashes. Additionally, four people were injured and two died while trespassing on railroad tracks.
- Winnebago (six crashes) and Marinette (four crashes) had the highest number of crashes.
- In 33 percent of the crashes, the highway user struck the train.
- 69 percent of crashes occurred where there were lights, gates, or stop signs. 50 percent were at active crossings (28 crossings with flashers or gates activated.)
Crossings
Wisconsin has 6,273 rail crossings: 4,030 public, 2,195 private (farms, industry yards, etc.), and 48 pedestrian. Counties with highest number of crossings include:
- Dane County – 293 crossings
- Brown County – 251 crossings
- Rock County – 243 crossings
- Dodge County – 230 crossings
- Outagamie County – 204 crossings
- Milwaukee County – 202 crossings
- Winnebago County – 190 crossings
- Waukesha County – 187 crossings
- Marinette County – 185 crossings
- Marathon County – 162 crossings
Key Safety Facts:
- Cross train tracks only at designated road or pedestrian crossings, and obey all posted warning signs and signals. The only safe place for pedestrians and vehicles to cross a railroad track is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck (X-shaped warning sign), flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross anywhere else, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.
- Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection. Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains change.
- All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it is illegal to trespass and highly dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks it's too late. It can take a mile or more to stop a train.
- Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions; loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right of way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train.
- Trains can move in either direction at any time. Sometimes their cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
- Today's trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale "clackety-clack." Any approaching train is always closer and moving faster than you think.
- Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train. Never mix rails and recreation.
