What you need to know to stay safe around trains and tracks

Sep 21, 2026

Norfolk Southern is proud to partner with Operation Lifesaver for See Tracks? Think Train! Week from Sept. 21-27, 2026. The annual awareness campaign is an opportunity to reinforce simple, life-saving habits.

Top takeaways

Rail safety starts with awareness. During See Tracks? Think Train! Week, Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver are sharing reminders for staying safe around tracks and crossings.
Most crossing incidents are preventable. Staying alert, obeying signs and signals, and keeping clear of tracks can help prevent accidents and save lives.
Safety is a year-round commitment. Norfolk Southern invests more than $1 billion annually in infrastructure, trains 5,000+ first responders each year, and partners with communities to advance rail safety education.

While train-motor vehicle collisions have decreased significantly, there were still more than 2,200 highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the U.S. in 2025, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. These incidents are preventable through greater awareness and safer choices.

As NS’ Chief Safety Officer John Fleps said:

“Awareness is the first step to keeping people safe around train tracks, which is why this week is so important. See Tracks? Think Train! Week is about reminding the public that simple actions like staying alert, steering clear of tracks, and following signs and signals help prevent incidents and save lives.”

Rail safety tips everyone should know

Whether you’re driving, walking, biking or taking photos near the railroad, a few simple precautions can make a big difference.

Click here for more information about Operation Lifesaver.

Five reminders for everyone

Always expect a train. Trains can travel on any track, at any time, from either direction.
Stay off railroad tracks. Tracks, bridges, trestles and railroad property are not safe places to walk, take photos or gather.
Stay alert. Avoid distractions such as phones, headphones, or anything else that could prevent you from seeing or hearing an approaching train.
Never try to beat a train. Trains are often closer and moving faster than they appear, and they cannot stop quickly.
Know where to find the blue ENS sign. Emergency Notification System signs are posted at crossings and provide critical information to help railroads and emergency responders respond quickly when needed.

Always remember: When you see tracks, think train.

Understanding railroad crossing signs and signals

Railroad crossing signs and warning devices are designed to keep people safe. Understanding what they mean can help you make safe decisions around tracks and crossings.

Download our Rail Safety Guide to learn more and share these tips with family, friends, and neighbors.

Supporting safety in our communities

At Norfolk Southern, safety extends beyond our operations. Our railroaders live and work in the communities we serve, and we’re committed to helping our neighbors stay safe around trains and railroad crossings.

Helping first responders prepare: Through First Responder Training, we provide training and resources to support emergency preparedness across our network.
Investing in local safety: Our Safety First grants support organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior in the communities we serve.
Keeping communities informed: Learn more about how we’re supporting safety in your community.

Safety at the center of every decision

Rail remains the safest and most efficient way to ship goods over land, and Norfolk Southern continues to strengthen that foundation through investments in infrastructure, training, and technology.

We empower our team to speak up and equip our skilled railroaders with advanced tools that support their skill and commitment to safe operations every day.

Learn more about Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safety.

By Martin Wattenbarger, Senior Communications Manager

Martin leads internal communications for Norfolk Southern Operations, with an emphasis on safety culture and performance, operational excellence, and employee engagement. He joined NS in 2020 and has nearly 20 years of combined strategic communications experience in the private and public sectors.