Trespassing Fatalities by State
Trespass Fatalities by State - Top 15 States
(Based on Preliminary 2011 Federal Railroad Administration Statistics)
UPDATED 4/3/12
According to FRA statistics, 427 pedestrian rail trespass fatalities occurred in 2011. Approximately 70% of all Year 2011 trespass fatalities occurred in the 15 states listed below.
| 1. | California | 62 |
| 2. | Texas | 33 |
| 3. | Illinois | 26 |
| 4. | Florida | 26 |
| 5. | Pennsylvania | 22 |
| 6. | New York | 17 |
| 7. | Washington | 17 |
| 8. | New Jersey | 16 |
| 9. | Kentucky | 14 |
| 10. | Tennessee | 14 |
| 11. | Ohio | 12 |
| 12. | North Carolina | 12 |
| 13. | Georgia | 11 |
| 14. | Indiana | 11 |
| 15. | Maryland | 9 |
Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!
Track Facts and Tips
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is not only dangerous, it's illegal. Trespassers can be arrested and fined - the ultimate penalty is death.
- The ONLY legal, safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
- Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels.
- There are approximately 160,000 miles of track operated in the United States (source: Association of American Railroads, 2010).
- Do not walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump on railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges; there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.
- Do not attempt to jump aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.
- Remember - rails and recreation do NOT mix!
Contact Us
Contact your OL State Coordinator or call us at 1-800-537-6224 for information about presentations, training and volunteer opportunities available in your area.