Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are among the Federal Railway Administration’s 15 worst states for highway-rail grade crossing collisions, according to a recent report by Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization nationally recognized as a leader in rail safety education. While all three states have aggressively prioritized their limited resources toward addressing these important safety issues, there is still room for improvement.

According to FRA statistics, 2,216 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2019. Louisiana is 7th on this list. The state had 97 collisions, resulting in 38 injuries, and 6 fatalities. Alabama is 8th with 85 collisions, 36 injuries, and 6 fatalities. Mississippi is 15th with 52 collisions, 54 injuries, and 10 fatalities. See the full list here.

These statistics are especially concerning to the Southern Rail Commission, which is leading the effort to restore passenger rail service across the Gulf Coast. The restoration of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile will further prioritize safety improvements to the crossings along the corridor. The grade crossing upgrades that are required for the new passenger rail service will keep travelers safe on road and rail, and enable to the efficient movement of passengers and freight across our states through the reduced collisions.

In fact, when completed, the Gulf Coast corridor will be the safest rail corridor in all three states, with enhanced crossings featuring the addition of the latest technology and techniques including: gates, signs, sensors, signals, bollards, and markings to adequately warn travelers of oncoming trains.