• In 2006, at least 362 people were killed and 999 were seriously injured in 2,897 highway-rail grade crossing collisions (combined for public and private crossings).
• At least 530 people were killed and 466 were injured while trespassing on railroad rights-of-way and property. 
• Approximately every two hours, either a vehicle or pedestrian is struck by a train in the United States.  That’s 12 incidents each day!
• A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle.
• More people die in highway-rail grade crossing crashes in the United States each year than in all commercial and general aviation crashes combined.
• Barely 50 percent of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossing with active warning devices (gates, lights, bells).
• Most crashes occur within 25 miles of the motorist’s home.
• Train CANNOT stop quickly.
• Average freight train stopping distance:
  • 55 mph = a mile or more or at least 18 football fields!!
• 8-car passenger train stopping distance:
  • 79 mph = a mile or more or at least 18 football fields!!
• The majority of highway-rail crashes occur when the train is traveling less than 30 mph.
• 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. 

 Florida 2006 Statistics

Highway/Rail grade crossing fatalities: 10 (Florida ranks 12^th in the Nation)

Highway/Rail grade crossing Injuries: 34 (Florida ranks 8^th in the Nation)

Pedestrian/Trespassing Fatalities: 20 (Florida ranks 5^th in the Nation)

Pedestrian/Trespassing Injuries: 30 (Florida ranks 3^rd in the Nation)

* These statistics are preliminary and are provided by the Federal Railroad Administration.