Home

About Us

Education Resources

Training

Presenters

Statistics

Results

For Kids

News & Events

Contact Us

Links

OL Community

OL Store

Trespass Fatalities by State

Top 15 States

(Based on Preliminary 2007 Federal Railroad Administration Statistics)

According to FRA statistics, 486 pedestrian rail trespass fatalities occurred in 2007. A total of 74% of all Year 2007 trespass fatalities occurred in the 15 states listed below.

1.  California            82

2.  Texas                 49

3.  Florida                36

4.  Illinois                27

5.  Pennsylvania      23

6.  North Carolina    21

7.  Ohio                  20

8.  New York           18

9.  New Jersey        17

10. Georgia            14

11. Indiana             13

12. Arizona             11

13. Massachusetts   10

14. Washington       10

15. South Carolina    9

Track Facts & Tips:

• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property.  Walking or playing on them is illegal – trespassers are subject to arrest and fines.  Too often the penalty is death.

• There are approximately 218,000 miles of railroad track in the United States (source: Association of American Railroads).

• Since 1994, almost 6,500 people have been killed while trespassing on railroad rights-of-way and property (source: Federal Railroad Administration).

• The ONLY legal and safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.  Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

• DO NOT walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels. 

• DO NOT walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump on railroad trestles.  They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges – there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.

• DO NOT attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time.  A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.

Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!