2026 House Resolution 354

Whereas, Every three hours someone is hit by a train in the United States; and

Whereas, 2,274 rail grade crossing collisions resulted in 766 personal injuries and were responsible for 285 fatalities in the United States during 2025; and

Whereas, In Michigan, there were forty-two highway-rail grade crossing collisions in 2025, resulting in five fatalities and five injuries; and

Whereas, Railroad right of ways are private property, as improper or unauthorized entry onto railroad property create serious, and sometimes fatal, safety risks; and

Whereas, It is important to remember the dangers associated with highway rail crossings in order to take proper steps to ensure safety when interacting with these crossings; and

Whereas, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Operation Lifesaver Inc., United States Department of Transportation, and all local, state, county, and railroad law enforcement officers, first responders, and railroad corporations commit to partnering together in an effort to educate at a national level all aspects of railroad safety, to enforce applicable laws in support of rail safety education campaigns taking place in September; and

Whereas, September is a time nationally and in Michigan that we remember the importance of obeying established traffic laws and looking and listening near railways to help reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by incidents involving trains and citizens; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 21-27, 2026, as Rail Safety Education Week in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to recognize the importance of learning about rail safety precautions.