UP reports 3 percent fewer crossing accidents in 2015

Union Pacific Railroad reduced highway-rail crossing accidents by 3 percent in 2015, the Class I announced on Friday.

UP reduced the total number of Federal Railroad Administration reportable grade crossing accidents to 2.28 per million train miles.

A new safety program may have contributed to the improvement. Launched in 2015, UP's Crossing Assessment Process (CAP) aims to focus attention on crossings where incidents may be more likely to occur.

"Our initial review showed 25 percent of accidents happen at just 4 percent of grade crossings," said UP Executive Vice President of Operations Cameron Scott in a press release. "As we find ways to enhance safety at these crossings, we create some real leverage to improve safety."