Illinois residents are being reminded to use extra caution around railroad tracks and crossings as See Tracks? Think Train! Week is recognized Sept. 21-27.
According to the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the nation’s largest rail union, Illinois has approximately 7,300 miles of railroad track, 7,482 public highway-rail crossings and 3,280 private crossings. In 2025, the state reported 134 highway-rail crossing collisions that resulted in 34 deaths and 27 serious injuries.
This year’s week of recognition also comes as a new Illinois law puts a greater focus on teaching young people about rail safety. House Bill 3743, signed into law in July, requires K-12 student handbooks to include basic railroad safety information, including the importance of using designated crossings, obeying warning signs and signals, staying off tracks and watching for a second train.
SMART-TD is also reminding residents of six basic rail safety tips to help keep pedestrians, drivers and rail riders safe:
– Always expect a train: Never assume a track is inactive simply because you do not see a train.
– Never go around lowered gates: Flashing lights and gates mean stop and wait.
– Look for another train: After one train passes, another may be approaching on an adjacent track.
– Stay off railroad tracks: Tracks are not sidewalks, shortcuts, trails or recreation areas.
– Avoid distractions: Phones and headphones can prevent people from recognizing danger.
– Never assume a train can stop quickly: An average freight train traveling 55 mph may take more than a mile to stop.
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