The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is marking Rail Safety Week by spotlighting the state’s new initiative, the Florida Rail Safety Coalition (FRSC). The coalition aims to prevent tragedies on railways through strategic collaboration.
Florida’s rail network includes both freight and passenger lines. FDOT’s goal is to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities across this network. To achieve this, the agency has formed the FRSC, which focuses on infrastructure improvements, technology advancements, and behavioral research. The coalition comprises experts from FDOT’s offices, rail organizations, and advocacy groups.
Data indicates that in 2023, 49 people died in Florida due to rail incidents caused by trespassing or crossing collisions. Nearly 80 others were injured. These figures highlight the preventable nature of such incidents through responsible behavior around trains and tracks.
“Florida has served as a national leader in innovative rail safety initiatives,” said Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Secretary of FDOT. He emphasized the importance of Floridians understanding the consequences of unsafe behaviors around trains.
The FRSC will eventually include law enforcement representatives, state inspectors, universities, and local communities. It will focus on four areas: at-grade crossing safety, trespassing prevention, standards and technology development, and partnerships.
Over the past decade, FDOT has invested over $178 million in enhancing rail crossing safety on state highways. This investment has led to significant reductions in collisions involving trains and vehicles or pedestrians.
FDOT continues to address human behavior as a leading cause of rail-related incidents nationwide. In 2023 alone, crossing collisions and pedestrian trespassing accounted for 94% of railroad fatalities in Florida.
For more information about the Florida Rail Safety Coalition: [Link]
FDOT remains committed to providing a safe transportation system that supports economic competitiveness while preserving quality of life across Florida’s communities.
