Facts and Statistics

While the number of railroad grade crossing fatalities, injuries, and crashes are small in comparison to others, these incidents have the potential of catastrophic consequences.

  • As of December 2009, the United States had 136,041 public at-grade crossings. Of these crossings, approximately 42,301 have gates, 22,039 have flashing lights, and 1,196 have highway traffic signals, wigwags, and bells.
  • In 2009, there were 1,896 incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States that resulted in 247 deaths, and 705 injuries.
  • In 2009, 431 people were killed and 343 were injured while trespassing on railroad rights-of-way and property.
  • FRA's Office of Safety Analysis Database

Program Contact

James Dahlem

202-366-9265

What's New

New Recording Devices for Interconnected Grade Crossing and Intersection Signal Systems: An Informational Report

Highlights

Highway-Rail Crossing Safety Action Plan