SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 15, 2025) — In a united effort to enhance public safety around railroad crossings, Utah Operation Lifesaver, the Utah Transit Authority, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Railway are teaming up to educate pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and riders throughout Utah Rail Safety Week.
Utah Rail Safety Week begins Monday, Sept. 15, and continues through Sept. 20 with activities designed to reduce rail-related accidents by raising awareness among pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers about the dangers of unsafe behavior near tracks.
This year, the focus is on a simple but powerful reminder: Every Sign Tells a Story. Rail safety signs aren’t just symbols; they are lifesavers. Whether you are behind the wheel, on a bike or walking near tracks, each sign is designed to keep you safe.
“The safety of our riders, operators and people on the road is priority number one at UTA,” said UTA Trustee Jeff Acerson. “Our partnerships with organizations dedicated to rail safety are crucial to raising awareness and reducing the number of preventable incidents.”
Rail Safety Week activities include:
Operation Clear the Track Tuesday — Sept. 16: UTA Police Department and Utah Highway Patrol will be out from 7-9 a.m. enforcing safety to drivers and pedestrians at the following track crossings: Midvale Fort Union Station, Central Pointe Station, Ballpark Station and Provo Central Station.
Welcome Wednesday — Sept. 17: Utah Operation Lifesaver will be at the Provo City School District Transportation department at 10 a.m. for a school bus media ride-along across railroad tracks: 1120 E. 1320 S., Provo.
Transit Thursday — Sept. 18: UTA will host an interactive exhibit at Salt Lake Central Station from 4-5:30 p.m., featuring rail safety signs, K-9 demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities for the public.
Football Friday — Sept. 19: Utah Operation Lifesaver will be distributing educational materials at high school football games to educate youth about the importance of crossing railroads safely:
- Fremont High School in Plain City
- Viewmont High School in Bountiful
- West High School in Salt Lake City
- Jordan High School in Sandy
- Skyridge High School in Lehi
All Aboard Saturday — September 20: Celebrate Rail Safety Week with a free morning of train rides. Climb aboard and enjoy a ride with the Utah Live Steamers as we highlight the importance of rail safety in our communities. This family-friendly event is free to attend and perfect for train lovers of all ages.
- Shay Park — 358 Aspen Hills Blvd., Saratoga Springs
- Saturday, Sept. 20 | 9 a.m. to noon
“UDOT has a long history of partnership with UTA, Utah Operation Lifesaver and the Department of Public Safety, and we appreciate all the efforts they contribute to meeting UDOT’s goal of Zero Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities,” said Brad Palmer, rail division director at Utah Department of Transportation. “Despite our collective best efforts, we need the help of the public to keep everyone safe. We ask that everyone please obey all traffic laws and be cautious and alert around trains and highway-rail grade crossings.”
Utah Operation Lifesaver is a statewide, non-profit public awareness and education program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad property. Utah Operation Lifesaver authorized volunteers are available, free of charge, to provide important safety information to professional truck and bus drivers, school bus drivers, drivers education classes, elementary school students, law enforcement and emergency responders, and other civic organizations.
"Utah Rail Safety Week brings much-needed awareness to the traveling public about railroad crossing safety and serves a reminder to obey all signs and warning devices at a railroad crossing.” said Vern Keeslar, executive director of Utah Operation Lifesaver. “Motorists, bicyclists and micromobility users all need to be aware that we must yield the right of way to the trains."
For more information about Utah Rail Safety Week and the scheduled activities, please visit Rail Safety Week 2025 or follow UTA on Facebook and Instagram. Please view and share the following images and videos as we strive to improve safety and rail awareness.
Rail Safety Week 2025 Media Assets
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