See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2025 Communications Toolkit
The Iowa DOT is observing national rail safety with “See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2025” during September 15-21. Iowa is joining forces with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., to raise awareness and promote rail safety education to assist drivers with making good decisions at Iowa public highway-railroad grade crossings and prevent rail property trespassing.
As harvest approaches, rail safety is a high priority with the majority of at-grade crossings in rural areas. The primary focus of this year’s educational campaign is on agricultural operations that harvest and transport commodities to market.
We’re providing this toolkit that includes a news release and social media resources to assist you in promoting this week to your audiences.
See Tracks Think Train
It's "See Tracks, Think Train" Week 2025. We want you to make safe choices in ag operations around railroad tracks and trains. It starts with knowing that all 4,042 public at-grade railroad crossings and 2,446 private at-grade crossings in Iowa mean trains - no matter where. And it means knowing that trains can't stop quickly, so don't be in their tracks. It takes the average freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile - the length of 18 football fields - to stop. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
If there's no flashing lights/gates/bells, do you need to yield to a train? You bet - it's the law. Passive crossings are where fatality & injury risk increase the most. With 2,200+ passive crossings in Iowa, the responsibility to think train is with you. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Every 3 Hours
Iowa has 2,200+ passive train crossings. They're where it's easiest to misjudge an approaching train's speed. Know the length of your truck/trailer or other slow-moving ag equipment and give yourself lots of extra time to cross the tracks. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Know Your Load
At a passive train crossing, if you're listening to your headphones you may not hear the sounds that could save your load, your rig, and your life. Stay alert around railroad tracks. Make sure you can hear an approaching train. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Hear Train See Train
Iowa DOT and @OperationLifesaver share these tips for what to do if your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing:
- Get everyone out and far away from the vehicle, even if you don't see a train.
- Call the number on the Blue/White ENS sign.
- Report the crossing ID # to the dispatcher.
- If you can't locate the ENS sign, call 911 or local police.
Download image: Find the Blue & White Sign
Freight trains don't travel at fixed times. Schedules for passenger trains often change. So, ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN. And remember, trains have the right of way 100% of the time over pedestrians, vehicles, and first responder vehicles. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Trains Always Have the Right-Of-Way
The average train weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons. It will split a semi or grain truck in half. If you have any of these conditions, you're at high risk even at active crossings:
- Impaired
- Distracted
- Impatient
- Mental Health Crisis
#SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Are You High Risk At Railroad Crossings?
Today's locomotives are faster - up to 80 mph - and quieter than ever - sounding less "clackety-clack." They can run on any track, at any time, from either direction, do not run on schedules, and always have 100% right-of-way. Now you know. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
Download image: Think You Know Trains?
Be smart around tracks. Remember to cross your ag equipment ONLY at designated roadway crossings, and follow warning signs and signals. Just because a train already went by, doesn’t mean another train might not approach on a 2nd set of tracks.
Download image: Be Smart Around Tracks
All train tracks are private property. Never work, walk, or hang out on tracks. It's illegal trespassing. It's highly dangerous. It's a walk that can end in tragedy when you think it's harmless and not bothering anyone. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
For every crash, injury, or close call around train tracks, there's an excuse from a survivor. We've heard them all. Make changes to be safer and don't allow yourself or a loved one to become a fatal statistic. #SeeTracksThinkTrain
You've built your business. Your clients are your responsibility. Why would you risk it all for photos on tracks, bridges, tunnels, or rail yards when there've been fatalities? Trains can't stop for your portraits, so remember:
- You can be held liable for damage, trespassing, injuries, or fatalities.
- Sharing or selling photos taken on or near the tracks may promote dangerous, illegal behavior.
#SeeTracksThinkTrain
