In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating the week of September 15 to September 21, 2025, as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania.

It is considered trespassing to access railroads outside of designated crossing areas in Pennsylvania. Despite this, people walk, exercise, or take photos on or near tracks that are private property, which poses serious risks to safety. In addition, approximately 83% of all 2024 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in only 25 states, with Pennsylvania ranking among the highest in recorded collisions.

This legislation aims to increase rail safety education across the Commonwealth by encouraging the public to stay safe around railroad tracks, and enhancing awareness of the dangers associated with trespassing railroads. This will run in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver’s nationwide awareness campaign called “See Tracks? Think Train  Week”, which seeks to reduce collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail crossings, and prevent trespassing on or near railroad tracks.

Although there has been a significant decline in rail crossing collisions over the past four decades, there is still room to improve awareness of potential risk. According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, 2,257 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred across the U.S. in 2024. There were also 264 crossing fatalities and 760 crossing injuries. These statistics highlight the urgent need for renewed commitment to prevent tragedies near tracks and trains.

Please join me in sponsoring this resolution and recognizing September 15 to September 21, 2025, as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania. Your support will help to further enhance safety for current and future Pennsylvanians.