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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1519 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1519

  Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 23 
through September 29, 2024, as ``See Tracks? Think Train! Week'' in the 
United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of reducing highway-
    rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 25, 2024

  Ms. Wilson of Florida (for herself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mrs. 
Sykes, Mr. Deluzio, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Carson, Mr. Johnson of 
 Georgia, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Williams of Georgia, Mrs. Watson Coleman, 
    Ms. Titus, Mr. Mrvan, and Mr. Moulton) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
                             Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 23 
through September 29, 2024, as ``See Tracks? Think Train! Week'' in the 
United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of reducing highway-
    rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.

Whereas the first Rail Safety Week was held from September 24 through September 
        30, 2017, by the national education safety nonprofit Operation 
        Lifesaver, the Department of Transportation, and other organizations;
Whereas Rail Safety Week was launched to raise awareness about the need for 
        increased education on how to be safe around highway-rail grade 
        crossings and railroad tracks and to highlight efforts to further reduce 
        incidents, injuries, and fatalities;
Whereas the rail industry strives to safeguard drivers and pedestrians at 
        highway-rail grade crossings through continuous maintenance, public 
        safety campaigns with organizations like Operation Lifesaver, utilizing 
        government and community collaboration, and heavy investment in 
        technology;
Whereas highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents constituted 
        approximately 97 percent of all rail-related fatalities during 2023;
Whereas, since 2005--

    (1) the number of public highway-rail grade crossings has decreased by 
12 percent; and

    (2) the number of gates at such crossings has increased by 41 percent;

Whereas, in 2023, 59 percent of all highway-rail grade crossing incidents and 78 
        percent of all fatal highway-rail grade crossing incidents occurred at 
        gated highway-rail grade crossings;
Whereas preliminary Federal statistics indicate that 2,192 highway-grade 
        crossing incidents occurred in the United States in 2023, resulting in 
        247 deaths and another 764 individuals injured;
Whereas many incidents between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians could 
        have been prevented by increased education, engineering, and 
        enforcement;
Whereas Operation Lifesaver, the foremost public information and education 
        program on rail safety, which administers a public education program 
        about grade-crossing safety and trespassing prevention, enjoys broad 
        bipartisan support;
Whereas, during ``See Tracks? Think Train! Week'', from September 23 through 29, 
        and throughout the year, everyone is encouraged to take added caution as 
        motorists or pedestrians approach tracks or trains;
Whereas the United States, Canada, and Mexico will concurrently observe See 
        Tracks? Think Train! Week; and
Whereas this important observance should lead to greater safety awareness and a 
        reduction in highway-rail grade crossing incidents and other railroad 
        incidents: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``See Tracks? Think Train! 
        Week'';
            (2) expresses strong support for--
                    (A) the goals and ideals of See Tracks? Think 
                Train! Week; and
                    (B) efforts to reduce rail-related incidents, 
                fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail grade 
                crossings; and
            (3) encourages the people of the United States--
                    (A) to participate in See Tracks? Think Train! Week 
                events and activities; and
                    (B) to educate themselves and others on how to be 
                safe around railroad tracks and grade crossings.
                                 <all>
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