COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Railroad crossing crashes in Ohio have continued to decline, according to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and Ohio Rail Development Commission.
The agencies are participating in See Tracks, Think Train Week, Sept. 21-27, which serves as a reminder for Ohioans to practice safety around railroad crossings.
There were 61 train-vehicle collisions at public railroad crossings in Ohio in 2025, a 50% decrease compared with 20 years ago, according to the PUCO’s 2025 Rail Statistics Report.
Despite the decline, officials said crashes at railroad crossings can be more severe than other collisions and are more likely to result in death or injury.
Ohio has 44 freight railroads operating approximately 5,100 miles of track and more than 5,600 public grade crossings. The state ranks fifth nationally in the amount of goods transported by rail.
PUCO and ORDC officials are reminding motorists and pedestrians to remain alert around railroad tracks and crossings. Safety recommendations include expecting trains at any time and from either direction, using only designated public crossings and never attempting to drive around lowered gates or through flashing warning lights.
Drivers should also make sure there is enough room on the opposite side of a crossing to completely clear the tracks before proceeding.
Pedestrians are prohibited from walking on or beside railroad tracks, and officials warned against entering railroad bridges, tunnels and yards or climbing on railroad equipment.
The agencies also emphasized that railroad tracks in Ohio are private property and trespassing is prohibited.
The Ohio Rail Hotline is available at 866-814-7245 for questions about railroad crossings.
More information about railroad crossing safety and the PUCO’s 2025 Rail Statistics Report is available through PUCO.
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 by AVC News
