Make the pledge. Tell five . Save a life.
Every three hours, a person or vehicle is struck by a train in the United States. California has consistently had the highest number of rail-related fatalities in the nation, and we have an opportunity to change that. Take 30 seconds to make the pledge, then share it with five people who matter to you. A few seconds of your time could start a conversation, change a decision, and ultimately save a life.
- 10 Californians have pledged
Trespass casualties — injuries & fatalities
0
+
Highway-rail grade crossing incidents
0
+
California's rank for trespass casualties, nationwide
#
0
California's rank for grade crossing incidents, nationwide
#
*Data reflects a 5-year period, 2021–2025.
How it works
Most of these incidents are preventable, yet everyday these track tragedies still cause life-changing injuries and loss of life. That’s why Save Lives Tell 5 exists: to get Californians sharing rail safety with the people they love. One conversation can prevent a tragedy. The campaign asks you to do three things:
1
Choose safety every time you’re near tracks and trains.
2
Tell five or more family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors about always making safe choices near railroad tracks.
3
Challenge each of them to help save lives and tell 5 more.
Most of these incidents are preventable, yet everyday these track tragedies still cause life-changing injuries and loss of life. That’s why Save Lives Tell 5 exists: to get Californians sharing rail safety with the people they love. One conversation can prevent a tragedy. The campaign asks you to do three things:
Start the conversation. Save a life. Together we build a safer California, one conversation at a time.
Take the Pledge
One conversation could save a life. Start one today. Take the pledge and tell 5.
Essential California Safety Tips
Use and share these train and railroad safety tips every time you’re near tracks.
1. Always expect a train.
- Trains are quieter and faster than you think.
- They can run on any track, at any time, from either direction, not just on a “schedule.”
2. Never walk on or beside railroad tracks.
- It's illegal and extremely dangerous to be on or beside railroad tracks.
- Tracks, bridges, and tunnels are for trains only.
3. Only cross at designated public crossings.
- Cross only where you see a crossbuck, flashing red lights, or a gate.
- Crossing anywhere else is trespassing and illegal.
4. Never try to beat a train.
- Do not drive or walk around lowered gates or flashing lights.
- Wait until lights stop flashing and gates are fully raised.
5. Look clearly in both directions before crossing.
- Multiple tracks can mean multiple trains.
6. Stay off railroad bridges, trestles, and out of tunnels.
- There is only room for the train.
- There is no safe place for pedestrians in these areas.
7. Trains always have the right of way.
- Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over cars, emergency vehicles, law enforcement, cyclists, and pedestrians.
8. Stay outside of the danger zone.
- Trains can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail.
- Keep at least 15 feet from the tracks to stay safe.
9. Never take photos or videos on tracks.
- It's dangerous and illegal.
- Optical illusions make it hard to judge a train's speed and distance.
- Trains cannot stop quickly, by the time an engineer sees you, it may already be too late.
10. Stay alert. Avoid distractions.
- No texting, no headphones, no scrolling near tracks.
- No distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
11. At a multiple track crossing, waiting for a train to pass.
- Watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
12. Never stop on the tracks.
- Only enter a crossing if you're sure you can completely clear it without stopping.
- Never queue up on the tracks while waiting for traffic ahead of you to move.
13. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out immediately.
- Get out and move away from the tracks right away, even if you don't see a train.
- Locate the nearby blue and white Emergency Notification System sign and call the number on the sign. Can't find the sign? Call 911.