Florida DOT forms coalition to improve rail safety

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently created a coalition of rail industry representatives to address rail safety-related concerns in the state.

The goal of the Florida Rail Safety Coalition is to develop strategic solutions and infrastructure enhancements, innovative technology and behavioral science research to reduce the likelihood of rail collisions and related fatalities and serious injuries, according to an FDOT press release.

Preliminary data shows that 49 people in Florida lost their lives in rail-related incidents in 2023, all attributed to trespassing or crossing collisions, and nearly 80 others were injured, FDOT officials said. The incidents and contributing factors indicate that they are preventable by practicing responsible rail-safety behaviors, they added.

“As the coalition works together to deliver solutions focused on preventing tragedies on our rail network, we urge all Floridians to play their part by understanding the life-changing consequences of unsafe behaviors around trains and tracks," said FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue. The coalition's members include subject matter experts, FDOT team members, representatives from each of FDOT districts across the state, Class Is, short lines, passenger railroads and rail advocacy groups that share a passion for safety.

In the future, the coalition will expand to include representatives from law enforcement, state rail inspectors, universities and local communities. Coalition members will focus on safety solutions rooted in four areas: grade crossing safety, trespassing prevention, standards and technology, and partnerships.

Over the past decade, FDOT has invested $178 million in efforts to improve safety of rail crossings on state highways. Through FDOT’s Railway-Highway Crossings (Section 130) Program, countermeasures installed at 818 project locations have reduced collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians by nearly 50%, fatal incidents by nearly 70% and serious injury incidents by nearly 55% over the past decade.