UP sees safety boost at rail crossings in first half of 2017

Written by Maggie Lancaster, assistant editor
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Union Pacific

Vehicle-train collisions at Union Pacific railroad crossings declined by five percent in the first half of 2017, compared to last year, according to Class 1. Union Pacific attributes this decline to its rail safety programs geared towards improved public safety.

Union Pacific reported a 2.27 crossing accident rate across its 23-state network, calculated by the number of Federal Railroad Administration reportable grade-crossing accidents per million train miles, compared to a 2.40 rate during the first half of 2016.

“One of the primary purposes of Union Pacific’s safety programs is to reduce railroad crossing accidents and it is encouraging to see positive results,” said Cameron Scott, Union Pacific executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Communities play a big role in helping their friends, neighbors and family members staying safe around railroad tracks. We will continue working with local authorities to share our safety message and educate drivers.”

While cities and counties determine where roads intersect with rail lines and warning signs at public railroad crossings, Union Pacific uses its Crossing Assessment Process (CAP) to study the crossing characteristics and focus its efforts where incidents may be more likely to occur. Although all crossings complying with Union Pacific maintenance standards are safe for drivers, Union Pacific says its program identifies safety enhancements that may require working with cities to add signage such as pavement markings. For private crossings, the company says it works with landowners to find alternative access that doesn’t cross the railroad.

Union Pacific says it uses its Crossing Accident Reduction and Education Safety (UP CARES) public safety program to work with communities. The Class 1 says UP CARES hosts thousands of events across the company’s network to educate pedestrians, motorists and truck drivers about how to stay safe around railroads and grade crossings.

Union Pacific says its outreach efforts also include annual digital and social media rail safety video campaigns urging pedestrians and drivers to use caution near railroad crossings.

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