JEFFERSON CITY – Pedestrian casualties while trespassing on rail tracks rose in Missouri in 2014.

There were 20 pedestrian casualties last year, which is up 25 percent from 2013. Collisions with vehicles at highway-rail grade crossings in Missouri remained the same in 2014 with 48 collisions and two fatalities.

“We are glad to see a low number of highway-rail grade crossing fatalities for a second consecutive year, but are concerned with the increase in trespassing casualties on railroad tracks and property in Missouri,” said Missouri Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Rick Mooney. “Educating the public to reduce trespassing injuries and fatalities continues to be a challenge. The tracks are not a place to walk or play. Stay Off, Stay Away, Stay Alive!”

Across the U.S., vehicle-train collisions and deaths at highway-rail grade crossings and from pedestrians trespassing on railroad tracks rose in 2014, while crossing-related injuries and rail trespass injuries were lower compared to 2013.

“These preliminary 2014 statistics show the continuing need to raise public awareness through our national ‘See Tracks? Think Train!’ campaign,” Mooney stated. “Operation Lifesaver, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies, major freight railroads, and commuter and light rail systems, will be expanding the campaign and developing new educational materials to encourage Americans to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.”