As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on our mission to save lives and build safer communities through rail safety education.
The Reality We Face
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA):
California continues to lead the nation in rail-related tragedies.
In 2024, our state recorded 307 trespass casualties including 182 fatalities, nearly 2.5 times higher than any other state.
We also ranked second nationally for highway-rail grade crossing incidents, with fatalities more than double those of any other state.
These aren’t just statistics, they represent preventable tragedies affecting real families and communities across California. By participating in our Save Live Tell 5 initiative, you can play an important role in rail safety across California.
Save Lives Tell 5: What It Really Means
Our Save Lives Tell 5 campaign transforms every Californian into a lifesaver through a simple but powerful concept.
Here’s how it works: Make a personal pledge to follow rail safety rules, then share these critical tips with five people you care about:
- Always expect a train! Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction and do not run on schedules.
- Trains can move in either direction at any time.
- Never walk on or beside railroad tracks; it’s illegal and dangerous
- The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.
- Never try to beat a train! Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates. Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised. Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
- Stay off railroad bridges and trestles. Stay out of railroad tunnels. There is ONLY ROOM for the train.
- Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians.
- A train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail, putting the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the three foot mark.
- Never take photos or videos on tracks. It is dangerous and illegal. An optical illusion makes it hard to determine a train’s distance from you – and its speed. Trains can’t stop quickly. By the time an engineer sees a person or a vehicle on the tracks, it may be too late to stop the train.
- Stay alert around railroad tracks, Avoid Distractions. No texting, No headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
Ask those five to tell five more, creating a ripple effect of awareness across California communities.
#SaveLivesTell5
Save Lives Tell 5: Real Impact Across California
The Save Lives Tell 5 campaign has gained remarkable momentum throughout 2024 and 2025. More Californians than ever are discovering this powerful initiative, and we’re seeing meaningful growth in rail safety awareness across the state.
Our Save Lives Tell 5 webpage has become our third most-visited page, demonstrating the strong community interest in becoming rail safety advocates. Even more encouraging, we’re hearing the message echoed at events throughout California. Rail safety partners and community organizations are now actively encouraging their communities to share the Save Lives message with people they care about.
When Californians commit to telling five people about rail safety, those conversations create lasting awareness.
Your 2026 Rail Safety Resolution
As we enter the new year, consider making a resolution that could save lives: become a rail safety champion in your community.
Your resolution could include:
- Participating in our Save Lives Tell 5 initiative
- Follow The Signs, Signals, Laws whenever you are near railroad tracks
- Sharing safety tips with five family members or friends
- Teaching children about track safety
- Always Choose Safety First near tracks and trains
- Requesting a CAOL presentation for your workplace or group
Together We Change the Stats
Every rail tragedy is preventable. When we work together through Save Lives Tell 5, we don’t just change statistics, we save lives and protect families.
Join us in making rail safety your 2026 resolution. Always obey signs, signals, and laws near tracks. Help save lives and share the message.