Rail Safety Week kicks off in Utah after spike in deadly train crashes

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — State and federal transportation officials gathered Monday morning to kick off Rail Safety Week, the third year Utah has launched such a campaign.

The new message is “Stop. Trains Can’t.”

In 2018, the state hit a 22-year high for crashes at railroad crossings – 27 collisions, seven injuries and five deaths.

Distractions are the main concern. People using their phones and otherwise not paying attention end up in trouble.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (

0

)

The night before Monday’s announcement, Salt Lake City police said a distracted driver slammed into a Union Pacific train that was already rolling through the intersection.