Invoice to enhance highway-rail crossing security strikes out of US Home committee

Dive Temporary:

• The U.S. Home Transportation and Infrastructure Committee superior laws to enhance security at rail crossings and assist stop associated suicides in a Dec. 18 markup session.
• In 2024, 263 folks have been killed and 768 have been injured the place highways cross railroad tracks at grade, together with 117 pedestrian deaths.
• The invoice, launched by Rep. Nellie Pou, D-N.J., and co-led by Rep. Mike Bost, R-Unwell., handed unanimously and strikes to the total Home.

Dive Perception:

Greater than 200,000 highway-rail grade crossings exist within the U.S., in keeping with the U.S. Division of Transportation. In September, the DOT made $5 billion in grants out there, together with funds for grade crossing enhancements on intercity passenger rail networks.

“Excessive danger railroad crossings stay a critical menace in communities in northern New Jersey and throughout our nation,” Pou mentioned in an announcement. She mentioned the invoice “would require states, railroads and different stakeholders to work extra intently collectively to cut back pedestrian deaths.”

If handed, the laws would strengthen federal oversight of highway-rail grade crossing security and direct states to elucidate how they’d work with railroads and different stakeholders to cut back pedestrian deaths and suicides alongside railroad tracks. The invoice would additionally require the Federal Railroad Administration to proceed issuing up to date experiences on state progress each 5 years.

“Whether or not taking a visit in your hometown, exploring a brand new metropolis or staying house, be vigilant when you find yourself close to tracks and trains,” Operation Lifesaver Govt Director Rachel Maleh mentioned in an announcement. OLI, a nonprofit, focuses on rail security schooling.

For security round railroad tracks and trains, the group says drivers and pedestrians ought to count on a prepare at any time, keep away from distractions and cross tracks solely at designated rail crossings. As well as, drivers and pedestrians shouldn’t attempt to beat an approaching prepare or go round crossing gates. If a automobile turns into caught on the tracks, OLI recommends exiting it and instantly contacting emergency providers.