The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) — Tracks are for trains. Walking, bicycling or playing on railroad tracks, train surfing or trying to rush through closing gates to beat an oncoming train are extremely dangerous and illegal.
From September 15-21, 2025, the State Corporation Commission joins Operation Lifesaver Inc. – a nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety education – in raising awareness about the need for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and others to stay safe around railroad tracks and crossings. See Tracks? Think Train Week (formerly Rail Safety Week) promotes the critical importance of rail safety.
The Railroad Regulation section of the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety works in concert with the Federal Railroad Administration to ensure the safe operation of railroads within Virginia. It conducts incident investigations, inspects railroad tracks and bridges to promote the safe movement of freight and passengers throughout the Commonwealth, inspects rail cars and locomotives to ensure compliance with FRA standards, and investigates constituent complaints regarding blocked rail crossings.
Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train, according to Operation Lifesaver. Most of these tragedies could have been prevented.
Division Director Lauren Govoni and Virginia Operation Lifesaver coordinator Tracey Lamb encourage Virginians to remain alert, use caution and obey signs and signals around railroad tracks. Always expect a train, they advise.
“Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility, whether you’re a pedestrian, passenger, photographer, motorist, bicyclist or emergency responder,” Govoni said. “No matter who you are, always use caution around tracks and trains.”
The SCC will partner with law enforcement railroad safety partners and other agencies to spotlight See Tracks? Think Train Week. Daily themes include commuter and transit safety, crossing safety and professional drivers, trespass prevention and photographer safety. Potentially life-saving information will appear on the SCC website and social media pages.
The 82% decrease in collisions nationwide at highway-rail grade crossings during the last 50 years is encouraging, but “there is still more rail safety awareness work to do,” Lamb said. “If your vehicle ever stalls on the track, get out and move away; then call the phone number on the blue Emergency Notification System sign located at the crossing or call 9-1-1,” she said.
Virginia Operation Lifesaver is administered by the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety, which offers educational sessions and can be reached by phone at 804-371-1588. To learn more about railroad safety and railroad education in Virginia, visit the division’s website or the Operation Lifesaver website.
