September 18-24, 2023: Rail Safety Week

WHEREAS, 2,194 rail grade crossing collisions resulted in 803 personal injuries and were responsible for 274 fatalities in the United States in 2022; and

WHEREAS, 1,208 pedestrian trespassing casualties have occurred in the United States resulting in 658 pedestrians being killed and another 550 injured while trespassing on railroad property rights of way in 2022; and

WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety including, reminding the public that railroad right of ways are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway-rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by trains and people; and

WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Operation Lifesaver, the United States Department of Transportation, and all local, state, county, and  railroad law enforcement officers, first responders, and railroad corporations commit to partnering in an effort to educate the public on railroad safety and enforce applicable laws in support of National Rail Safety Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 18-24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week in Michigan and encourage all citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety education.